Rival Gang Prison Riot Leaves 27 Dead in Sri Lanka; Investigation Launched

(Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 8, CNA, Reuters) Sri Lanka yesterday launched an investigation into the worst prison riot in years, as the death toll from the conflict between rival drug gangs rose to 27.

According to Agence France-Presse, Sri Lankan Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara informed parliament that criminal investigations have begun concurrently with a government-appointed inquiry commission. Police stated that the riot, which occurred on June 6, has resulted in at least 27 deaths.

Police said preliminary investigations found that rival gangs clashed inside the prison north of the capital, Colombo, subsequently overpowering prison guards, seizing weapons, and opening fire.

Doctors reported that 97 injured individuals, including 23 prison guards, are still receiving treatment at Negombo Hospital for injuries such as gunshot wounds, cuts, and severe bruises. Another 19 inmates are being treated at a hospital in Colombo.

An police official told Agence France-Presse that seven prison guards died while attempting to quell the riot.

Sri Lanka's prisons, which have long suffered from severe overcrowding, have once again drawn attention. Official data indicates that the inmate population in prisons nationwide is approximately four times the designed capacity. (Intern Editor: Lu Shi-ting / Editor: Xu Chong-zhe) 1150708

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