The death toll from the renewed unrest at Negombo Prison has risen to 25, with nearly 100 people injured in one of the deadliest prison disturbances in Sri Lanka in recent years. According to media reports, four prison officers are among those killed in the violence, while several of the injured remain in critical condition. Authorities have launched multiple investigations into the incident as questions mount over the circumstances that led to the deadly clashes.

According to The Daily Mirror, nearly 100 individuals injured during the unrest were admitted to Negombo General Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed that many of the deceased and injured had sustained severe gunshot wounds, indicating the intensity of the confrontation inside the prison. The violence reportedly erupted on Monday morning after a group of inmates allegedly carried out an organised attack within the correctional facility, triggering a large-scale security response.

As the situation escalated, prison security personnel reportedly opened fire in an attempt to regain control and disperse the inmates involved in the clashes. The incident followed an earlier outbreak of unrest that began on Saturday, after which prison authorities had briefly restored order. However, fresh violence broke out days later, leading to significantly higher casualties and extensive damage within the prison premises.

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The Department of Prisons has ordered a special investigation into the incident. According to PTI, Prisons Department Media Spokesman A. C. Gajanayake said a dedicated investigation team had been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the unrest. He said authorities would examine the sequence of events that led to the violence and assess whether security lapses contributed to the incident.

In addition to the departmental inquiry, Sri Lanka Police have launched a separate investigation into the prison clashes. Meanwhile, Harshana Nanayakkara has sought a detailed report on the incident and directed officials to provide a full account of the events inside Negombo Prison. The justice minister is expected to review the findings to determine whether further administrative or legal action is required.

The latest violence has renewed concerns over prison management, overcrowding and security within Sri Lanka's correctional system. Prison disturbances in the country have periodically highlighted challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, inmate tensions and resource constraints. While authorities are focused on restoring stability at Negombo Prison, investigators are working to establish the exact trigger for the unrest and determine responsibility for the deaths and injuries. Officials have yet to announce whether additional security measures or reforms will be introduced following the incident, as the investigations continue.

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