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Negombo Prison Violence: Death Toll Rises to 29, Eight Officers Among Dead
The Pulse
CrimePoliticsHOTWednesday, July 8, 2026

Negombo Prison Violence: Death Toll Rises to 29, Eight Officers Among Dead

TLDR

  • Negombo Prison violence: 29 dead (21 inmates, 8 officers).

  • CID probes clash; 8 officers to get promotions/compensation.

  • 12 critical; 7 officers died from blunt force trauma.

The death toll from the violent clash at Negombo Prison has risen to 28 following the death of an eighth prison officer. The officer succumbed to critical injuries sustained during the unrest while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital. The overall fatalities now comprise 20 inmates and 8 prison officers. The clashes, reportedly linked to drug trafficking and organized crime, led to over 100 injuries, with 12 individuals still in intensive care. A government-appointed Committee of Inquiry is investigating the circumstances of the violence.

4 Updates

Update #5\u00b7 Jul 10 · 4:01 PM

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation into the Negombo Prison violence. The CID has also commenced recording statements from injured prison officers and inmates currently receiving treatment at Negombo Hospital and Colombo National Hospital.

Update #4\u00b7 Jul 10 · 11:31 AM

The eight prison officers who died in the Negombo Prison clash will receive promotions and compensation. Among those promoted are Prison Jailer S.H. Chandrawansa (to First Class) and Prison Controllers S.D. Abeywardena, B.N. Tharanga, A.D. Tharanga, D.W. Pushpakumara, R.R. Sanjeeva, T.R. Thilakasiri, and M.G. Upali (to Sergeant). These promotions are effective from the date of their deaths.

Update #3\u00b7 Jul 9 · 5:32 PM

The overall death toll from the Negombo Prison violence has risen to 29, now including eight prison officers and 21 inmates. A newly identified deceased officer is Prison Sergeant Dilan Sri Abeywardena. Post-mortem reports indicate that seven prison officers died from severe blunt force trauma to the head and chest, causing internal organ damage. Security around the Negombo Prison has been strengthened with personnel from the Police Special Task Force and the Sri Lanka Army.

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