At least 25 killed as prison clashes erupt in Sri Lanka

WEB DESK: At least 25 people were killed and around 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted between two groups of prisoners at a prison in Sri Lanka’s coastal town of Negombo, police and hospital sources said on Monday.

The violence began on Sunday at the prison, located about 35 kilometres north of the capital, Colombo, involving both convicted prisoners and inmates being held on remand.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the clashes.

Police said clearance operations were continuing inside the prison to account for all those killed and injured and to restore order.

Army spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage said the military had been requested to assist the police but remained on standby pending further instructions.

Read More: Affidavit of foreign woman details assault, threats in Lahore kidnapping case

Television footage showed a heavy police deployment outside the prison, while a police bus carrying injured inmates, some lying on the floor, was seen leaving the facility for medical treatment.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while security remains heightened in and around the prison complex.