The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed deep concern over the violent incidents reported at the Negombo Prison between July 5 and 7, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including seven prison officers, while more than 100 others were injured.
Issuing a statement, the BASL condemned all forms of violence, stating that violence within detention facilities undermines the rule of law, affects public confidence in the justice system and threatens the safety of inmates, prison officers, and those responsible for managing correctional institutions.
The BASL noted reports of tense situations at several other prisons and urged relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of both prison officers and inmates.
The Bar Association stressed that, in the aftermath of the incident, the State has a responsibility to take all necessary measures to prevent further violence and ensure that detention facilities operate in accordance with the law while respecting the dignity and rights of all individuals.
The BASL also referred to reports of difficulties faced by statutory oversight bodies in carrying out their duties, stating that such matters should be included in an independent investigation if established.
Welcoming the government’s decision to appoint an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the incident, the BASL said public confidence in the process would depend on the inquiry being conducted independently, impartially, transparently and without delay.
The association noted that the investigation should establish the full sequence of events, identify any unlawful acts or failures in prison administration, security, or oversight and recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The BASL called for the findings of the inquiry to be made public, except where restrictions are necessary in the interests of justice or national security.
It further stated that any person found responsible for criminal conduct or official misconduct, whether a prisoner, prison officer, or any other individual, must be held accountable through due legal process.
The BASL also highlighted the need to provide urgent medical treatment for those injured and appropriate assistance to families who lost loved ones.
Describing the incident as a reflection of long-standing issues within Sri Lanka’s prison system and criminal justice framework, the BASL emphasised that persons deprived of liberty retain their fundamental rights and dignity, including those held in remand custody who have not been convicted of offences.
At the same time, the Bar Association recognised that prison officers perform an essential public service under difficult conditions and require safe working environments, adequate resources, and institutional support.
Therefore, the BASL called for urgent action to address chronic prison overcrowding through wider reforms, including improvements to remand practices, faster disposal of criminal cases, appropriate use of bail, greater use of non-custodial sentencing where suitable, rehabilitation programmes, improved infrastructure, adequate staffing, and modern prison management systems.
The BASL urged authorities to ensure a credible and transparent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and use the tragedy as an opportunity to introduce lasting reforms to Sri Lanka’s prison and criminal justice systems.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka while extending condolences to the families of those who died, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rule of law, human dignity, and a fair and humane justice system.
