Special statement from the Commissioner General of Prisons

Regarding the situation that has arisen at Negombo Prison, Commissioner of Prisons (Media Spokesperson) A.C. Gajanaike makes a special statement as follows.

"Yesterday, prison officials attempted to bring the situation under control to some extent.

However, this morning, when prison officials went to provide breakfast to the inmates, a conflict re-erupted due to a clash between them. The prison officials present at that time attempted to control it.

The officers who went to control the situation were once again assaulted by those groups. As the assaulted officers approached the main gate of the prison, inmates who broke through from behind continued to assault those officers.

Meanwhile, they also attempted to break the main entrance gate of the prison. At that moment, the officers present tried to remove them from there to prevent the prison entrance gate from being broken. When they attempted to remove them, a large group of inmates collectively started assaulting the prison officers who went there once again.

At that moment, with the assistance of our other prison officials, we attempted to suppress the situation using minimal force.

Accordingly, several officers have been hospitalized. It is currently reported that some of them have died. Additionally, a group of inmates has also been hospitalized. I have been informed that several of them have also died.

Currently, there is a tense situation within the prison. However, we are currently working to control the situation inside the prison to some extent, while keeping the main gate of the prison within our control.

Questions raised by journalists and answers

Journalist: Currently, foreigners (Foreigners) and monks are also detained there. What is their security situation?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: Currently, a certain level of security has been established for them within the prison.

Journalist: Female prison inmates have climbed onto the roof, demanding a report, alleging that 20 people have been killed. They also allege that small children are not being given food, right?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: Yes, this incident is not related to that matter. Because this clash occurred between two different groups in the section where suspects are detained. It was a clash related to the underworld and drugs. So, this situation does not affect the women's section at all. However, it can be said at this moment that they are acting in this manner in a different way as a show of support.

Journalist: Is there a transfer of some inmates from this prison to other prisons today? What is the actual situation?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: Currently, there is such a proposal regarding that. We expect to act on it in the future.

Journalist: The parents and relatives of the prison inmates are currently waiting in great anxiety. What message can be given to them at this time?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: No, what needs to be told to them at this time is that they should not panic at all. We are doing everything possible for the inmates at this moment. Currently, the Commissioner General of Prisons and his team are also present here.

Journalist: So sir, how many inmates were there in this prison?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: Currently, nearly 2,400 inmates are being held.

Journalist: That's more than the capacity, isn't it?

Mr. A.C. Gajanaike: Currently, all prisons in Sri Lanka are severely overcrowded. We are currently taking steps to minimize this. Several new prisons have been established, and construction work has begun on several others. Additionally, proposals for the construction of more new prisons have been submitted. We are currently moving forward with those activities.