Sri Lanka prison violence leaves 26 dead as inmates clash

At least 26 people have been killed in clashes between inmates at a prison facility in Sri Lanka, marking one of the deadliest incidents of prison violence in the country in recent years. The confrontations erupted within the facility, resulting in significant casualties and raising serious concerns about conditions and security measures within Sri Lankan correctional institutions.

The violence reportedly occurred as rival prison gangs engaged in fighting, overwhelming authorities’ ability to maintain order. Prison officials have launched an investigation into the incident, which highlights longstanding issues of overcrowding and gang activity that have plagued Sri Lankan prisons for years.

The incident comes amid broader concerns about the country’s prison system, which has faced repeated criticism from human rights organisations over management practices and inmate safety. Authorities have not yet provided full details regarding the circumstances that triggered the violence or the identities of those killed in the clashes.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.