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Negombo Prison Declared Unsuitable Crime Scene; Inmates Relocated to Wariyapola and Dumbara
The Pulse
CrimePoliticsGeneralHOTThursday, July 9, 2026

Negombo Prison Declared Unsuitable Crime Scene; Inmates Relocated to Wariyapola and Dumbara

TLDR

  • Negombo Prison declared unsuitable & crime scene after July 5-6 clash.

  • 166 female inmates moved to Wariyapola & other prisons.

  • Nearly 700 male inmates remain; complete relocation planned.

  • Incident involved drug traffickers; 14 injured treated.

Following recent unrest and clashes at Negombo Prison, 73 female inmates have been relocated to other correctional facilities. The transfers, which occurred on July 8th and 9th, saw inmates moved to Wariyapola and Pallekele Prisons. Among those relocated are 28 foreign nationals. The initial incident on July 5th and 6th involved a clash between groups linked to drug trafficking and organized crime, leading to further protests and the prison being declared an unsuitable location. Prison authorities stated the relocation is necessary for ongoing investigations and to ensure the safety of remaining inmates and staff.

3 Updates

Update #4\u00b7 Jul 11 · 7:03 AM

NEW: 166 female inmates have been transferred from Negombo Prison to Wariyapola, Bogambara, Agunukolapelessa, and Kuruvita Prisons. The Ministry of Justice has declared the Negombo Prison premises unsuitable for holding inmates due to severe damage, facilitating unimpeded investigations.

Update #3\u00b7 Jul 11 · 1:45 AM

All female inmates have been transferred from Negombo Prison, with nearly 700 male inmates remaining and slated for complete relocation to create an inmate-free zone. The damaged facility is scheduled for renovations. Additionally, 14 individuals injured during the incident are still receiving treatment at Negombo Hospital, and the clash involved drug traffickers and organized criminals. The prison previously housed 2,400 inmates.

Update #2\u00b7 Jul 10 · 12:32 AM

The Negombo Prison has been declared unsuitable for holding inmates and a crime scene following severe damage sustained during an incident on July 5-6, 2026. This decision by prison administration allows for unimpeded investigations and ensures inmate safety. New transfers include 23 female inmates and 10 foreign inmates sent to Wariyapola Prison, and 42 inmates, including foreign nationals, relocated to Dumbara Prison. As of July 9th, the prison still housed 902 inmates.

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