Sri Lanka prisoners riot leaving 3 dead, 23 injured in chaos

What the report says

Sri Lankan authorities deployed police and riot squads after a series of prison disturbances left three inmates dead and 23 others injured, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AP and Reuters coverage. The unrest unfolded at multiple facilities, including New Magazine Prison in Colombo, Kuruwita prison about 80km away, and an open prison in Negombo on the coast. Officials said the incidents were brought under control after officers used force, including tear gas in Negombo.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told parliament that the violence began late on Thursday when 40 inmates broke out of their cells at New Magazine Prison, where one prisoner was killed. He said two more inmates died on Friday morning during a separate riot at Kuruwita. The injured were taken to hospitals. Prison staff and riot police reportedly worked to move inmates back to their wards after some climbed onto rooftops or gathered in open areas.

Wijepala said the government suspects links to narcotics dealers and rival criminal gangs, and is investigating whether the unrest was coordinated. He described the pattern as possibly involving planning and sabotage, while stressing that further conclusions depend on a full inquiry.

The report adds broader context: Sri Lanka’s prison system is severely overcrowded, with official figures cited in parliament showing more than 39,000 inmates in facilities built for about 10,000. Many detainees are awaiting trial in drug-related cases, and tighter bail rules have added to congestion.