Hussin Alameedi | St. Louis U. School of Law, US Courtesy Jurist News

July 11, 2026 12:15:50 pm

The UN Human Rights Office on Friday urged Sri Lankan authorities to conduct a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into recent incidents of prison violence following deadly clashes and allegations of torture involving transferred inmates.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani called for accountability after violence erupted at Negombo Prison on July 5, leaving at least 28 people dead, including seven prison officials, and injuring more than 100 others. According to authorities, the prison was built to house approximately 640 inmates but reportedly held around 2,400 at the time of the unrest, highlighting longstanding concerns over severe overcrowding.

Earlier this week, the Sri Lankan government announced that it had established a three-member committee to investigate the violence. However, concerns continued to escalate after local media reported the deaths of two inmates who had been transferred from Negombo following the clashes. One inmate died at Boossa High Security Prison on July 8 after reportedly suffering a sudden illness,” while another inmate transferred to Agunukolapelessa Prison also died the same day.

The Committee to Protect Rights of Prisoners alleged that inmates transferred from Negombo had been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment while in custody. In response, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued a statement directing the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure the safety of detainees and grant the commission unrestricted access to prison facilities to investigate the allegations.

Amnesty International also expressed concern over the reported deaths and allegations of abuse. Babu Ram Pant, the organization’s deputy regional director for South Asia, said the reports were deeply alarming” and stressed that authorities have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of those in detention. Pant called for an immediate investigation into all reported deaths, the unrestrained ability for the HRCSL to monitor detainees’ welfare, and unrestricted access for lawyers and family members. He further emphasized that prisoners requiring medical treatment should receive care without delay.

Sri Lankan authorities announced plans to reopen a colonial-era prison and recruit additional correctional staff to address chronic overcrowding. Government officials stated that the country’s 22 prisons currently hold approximately 41,000 inmates—nearly four times their intended capacity.