Three Killed, 23 Injured as Fresh Prison Violence Shakes Sri Lanka

Three inmates were killed and 23 others injured in separate prison clashes across Sri Lanka over the past 24 hours, intensifying concerns over a fresh wave of unrest that authorities believe could be part of an organised campaign to destabilise prisons.

The deadliest incident occurred at Kuruwita Prison, about 60 kilometres southeast of Colombo, where two prisoners lost their lives and 13 others were injured following a violent confrontation on Friday. The injured were admitted to Ratnapura Hospital for treatment.

According to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, the violence was triggered after prison officials intercepted a package containing suspected narcotics and arrested those allegedly involved. He said the disturbance appeared to be a reaction to the government's ongoing anti-drug crackdown inside correctional facilities.

Hours earlier, another disturbance broke out at Magazine Prison in Colombo. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that around 40 inmates breached a section of the prison and rioted late on Thursday night. One inmate was killed, while 10 others sustained injuries before security personnel regained control.

Authorities said troops were deployed to both prisons, successfully containing the violence.

Fresh tensions also surfaced at Pallansena Prison, where about 30 inmates climbed onto a prison roof after breakfast and staged a protest. Police and prison officials were working to restore normalcy.

Addressing Parliament, Wijepala said investigators were examining whether the recent disturbances across multiple prisons were linked to an organised plot. He added that the government remained committed to restoring order while ensuring the safety of inmates and prison staff.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting of key stakeholders to review the deteriorating situation. Earlier this week, the justice minister had similarly warned of coordinated attempts to fuel prison unrest.

The latest incidents follow deadly violence at Negombo Prison in July and Mahara Prison earlier this month. Rights groups continue to cite overcrowding, poor prison conditions and mounting tensions as key drivers behind recurring clashes.