A violent clash at Sri Lanka’s Negombo Prison has left 25 inmates dead and over 100 injured, authorities said. The unrest reportedly erupted between rival inmate groups linked to drug trafficking activities and escalated after prisoners seized weapons. Security forces, including STF units, have been deployed, while investigations and a magisterial inquiry have been ordered into the incident.

Colombo, July 6: The death toll in the violent unrest at a prison in Sri Lanka’s western coastal town of Negombo has risen to 25, authorities said on Monday.

The clash erupted on Sunday between two rival groups of inmates in the overcrowded prison. Violence flared again on Monday after rioting inmates reportedly seized firearms inside the facility.

According to officials, 25 people have died and over 100 have been injured in the clashes and subsequent disturbances within the prison, Hiru News reported.

Preliminary findings suggest the violence broke out between one group allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities inside the prison and another group opposing such operations.