Negombo Prison Clash: Statements Recorded from 287 Persons

16-Jul-2026

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Negombo Magistrate's Court that statements have so far been recorded from 287 persons, including prison officials, in connection with the killing of 10 prison officers attached to the Prison Emergency Response Unit and 21 inmates during the recent clash at the Negombo Prison.

The information was presented when the case was taken up before Negombo Magistrate Shilani Perera on July 14.

Chief Inspector Karunathilaka of the CID's Commercial Crimes Investigation Division informed the court that statements would have to be obtained from all inmates who were in custody at the prison at the time of the incident.

As the inmates have since been transferred to prisons across the country, the investigating officer requested the court to direct the Commissioner General of Prisons to facilitate the recording of their statements.

After considering the request, the Magistrate directed the Commissioner General of Prisons to make the necessary arrangements.

The court also received a further report submitted by a team of CID officers, including Assistant Superintendent Kaluarachchi of the Commercial Crimes Division.

Investigators informed the court that all suspects identified in connection with the killings would be prosecuted under charges of murder, the Firearms Ordinance, the Public Property Act and relevant provisions of the Penal Code, including Sections 102, 113, 146, 186, 300, 315, 316, 317 and 344.

The weapons allegedly used in the killings have been recovered. Sixty firearms along with ammunition have been produced as case property and deposited in the court's custody. Investigators said they would be produced before court whenever required during the proceedings.

The CID further informed the court that although inmates had damaged the DVR systems connected to the prison's CCTV cameras, investigators had recovered two computer hard drives. Permission was sought to send the devices to the Computer Department of the University of Moratuwa for forensic examination, and the Magistrate granted approval.

Three preliminary post-mortem reports prepared by the Judicial Medical Officer were also submitted to court. The reports referred to severe assaults, gunshot injuries and open wounds sustained by the victims.

Explaining the sequence of events, the CID told the court that the unrest began on the morning of July 5 when an inmate identified as Suresh Pushpakumara, alias "Kaduwela Gama Suresh", who was being held in Cell A1, argued with prison officials claiming that the time allocated for physical exercise was insufficient.

He was subsequently transferred to the L Ward but allegedly continued to create disturbances and was later returned to Cell A1.

The confrontation escalated into a violent clash in which two inmates were initially killed and 36 others injured. As prison officials attempted to restore order, inmates took control of the entire prison. Prison authorities then sought assistance from the Negombo Police and the Negombo Crimes Division. However, police officers who arrived at the scene were prevented from entering the prison by the inmates.

The prison reportedly remained under the inmates' control until the following day, prompting authorities to deploy 89 prison police officers from Colombo.

At the time of the incident, the prison housed 2,417 inmates, including 162 convicted prisoners, 2,255 remand prisoners and 161 female inmates. A total of 161 prison staff members were on duty, while the prison comprised 16 inmate wards.