**At Least 19 Killed and Over 100 Wounded in Sri Lanka Prison Riot**
*Colombo, Sri Lanka - July 6, 2026* - A violent clash between rival drug gangs inside Negombo prison has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including four prison guards, and left over 100 others injured. This incident marks one of the deadliest prison riots in Sri Lanka in recent years.
The unrest began on Sunday evening within the facility, which houses approximately 10,000 inmates. According to police reports, the fighting escalated overnight, prompting a significant response from law enforcement. Although police commandos were called to the scene, they were not deployed inside the prison during the turmoil.
Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed that 19 bodies were received at the Negombo hospital, located north of the capital, Colombo. In addition to the deceased, more than 100 individuals, comprising both inmates and guards, were admitted for treatment. Gamlath noted that some victims sustained gunshot wounds, highlighting the severity of the violence.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire during the clashes, and large crowds of relatives gathered outside the prison, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Authorities have deployed drones to monitor the situation from above, as tensions remain high.
A police official indicated that the situation escalated when guards attempted to intervene in the rioting, leading to the fatalities among the prison staff. "Four guards were killed when they tried to break up the rioting," the official stated. "The situation got out of hand this morning."
This incident is reminiscent of a previous riot in December 2020 at another Sri Lankan prison, which resulted in the deaths of 11 inmates and injuries to 117 others during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. That unrest prompted the government to release hundreds of inmates from overcrowded facilities in an effort to alleviate the situation.
As of now, official data indicates that Sri Lanka's prisons are severely overcrowded, with 41,250 inmates held across the country, a number that is approximately four times the intended capacity. The ongoing issues of overcrowding and gang violence within the prison system continue to pose significant challenges for authorities.
The government has yet to release a detailed statement regarding the current situation, but the events at Negombo prison have raised concerns about prison conditions and the safety of both inmates and staff. As investigations continue, further updates are expected in the coming days.