At Least 19 Killed in Sri Lanka Prison Clashes

By Aurax Radio | July 6, 2026 | 2 min read

Violence erupted at a prison near Colombo after inmates reportedly seized weapons during fighting linked to rival drug gangs. Authorities said at least 19 people were killed and more than 70 others were injured in one of the country's deadliest prison incidents in years.

Security forces and emergency vehicles outside Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka following a prison riot.

Security personnel gather outside Negombo Prison after deadly clashes among inmates left at least 19 people dead and dozens injured.

At least 19 people were killed and more than 70 others injured after violent clashes broke out Sunday at the Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka, authorities said. The unrest began when fighting erupted among inmates and prisoners reportedly broke into the prison armory, gaining access to firearms. Security forces were deployed to restore order as gunfire and explosions were reported inside the facility near the capital, Colombo.

Sri Lankan officials said the violence was linked to rival drug gangs operating inside the prison. Prison authorities and security personnel struggled for several hours to regain control of the complex, which houses a large number of inmates, including suspects accused of narcotics offenses. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, and some remained in critical condition.

The government has launched an investigation into how inmates were able to access weapons and why the confrontation escalated so rapidly. The incident has renewed scrutiny of overcrowding, gang activity and security conditions within Sri Lanka's prison system, which has faced repeated criticism from rights groups and prison reform advocates. Authorities said additional security measures were being implemented to prevent further violence.

Sources: Information from Al Jazeera and Firstpost.

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