Inquest reveals 14 shot dead, 9 assaulted to death in prison clash
Posted on July 9th, 2026
Courtesy Hiru News
Evidence hearings regarding the inquests of 24 individuals who died during the clash inside the Negombo Prison concluded.
Police stated that investigations into the clash that occurred at the Negombo Prison on 05 and 06 July revealed 14 of the deceased died from gunshot wounds and nine died due to assaults, while an open verdict was delivered regarding the death of one inmate.
Hospital sources stated that out of the total of 28 individuals who died at the Negombo Hospital, inquests for 24 concluded and the bodies were handed over to relatives.
Inquests for another four bodies, including that of an Indian national, are currently underway.
Furthermore, facts were reported to the Maligakanda Court today regarding the prison guard who died yesterday (08) while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital due to this incident, and Police noted that the calling of evidence regarding his death also concluded today (09).
A five-member team of Judicial Medical officers was appointed to conduct these posmortems.
The medical committee consisted of Dr. Sujeewa Wickramanayake (Chairman) of the Negombo Hospital, Dr. Prasanna Appuhamy of the Puttalam Hospital, Dr. Samantha Wijeratne of the Mulleriyawa Hospital, Dr. Saminda Rajapaksa of the Wathupitiwala Hospital, and Dr. Ramesh Alagiyawanna of the Ragama Hospital.