Sri Lanka prison riot kills 26 in Negombo after gang clash
What's new: Authorities transferred 734 inmates and opened multiple probes as more than 77 people remained hospitalized.
A prison riot in Negombo, Sri Lanka, left 26 people dead, including seven prison officials, after violence that began with clashes between rival inmate groups and escalated into attacks on guards and a rush at the main gate. Officials said inmates seized some firearms, damaged security equipment and fought through Sunday and Monday at the prison north of Colombo. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told parliament the unrest was tied to narcotics and gang rivalries, while prison welfare advocates pointed to severe overcrowding. More than 100 people were injured, and 77 were still in hospital on Tuesday. Authorities moved 734 inmates to other prisons and set up investigations led by police, the prison department and a retired judge.