A large stockpile of sharp weapons, allegedly used by inmates to attack prison officers during the clashes at the Negombo Prison, has been discovered by police during their investigations. 

According to police, the items recovered included more than 1,000 clubs and poles. 

Investigations have also revealed that inmates had taken coconuts from the prison kitchen and used them to throw at officers during the unrest.

The tragic incident at the Negombo Prison resulted in the deaths of eight prison officers and 21 inmates. 

Following the clash, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) commenced an investigation, during which a search operation conducted within the prison premises led to the recovery of over a thousand clubs and poles, police said.

In addition, a number of sharp weapons and iron rods were also recovered during the operation. 

Preliminary findings indicate that inmates had entered the prison kitchen during the disturbance and obtained sharp weapons from the facility. 

Reports further suggest that coconuts taken from the kitchen were also used in attacks against prison officers.

Meanwhile, overcrowding issues have emerged in several other prisons following the transfer of inmates from the Negombo Prison. 

Reports indicate that some transferred inmates have allegedly been subjected to assaults by inmates at the prisons to which they were relocated.