COLOMBO, SRI LANKA — At least 25 people have been killed and approximately 100 others injured following two days of violent clashes between rival inmate groups at the overcrowded Negombo Prison. The incident, which marks the country's deadliest prison riot in over five years, has forced military forces onto standby as security units battle to regain full control of the facility.

The unrest initially flared up on Sunday when violent clashes erupted between a group of convicted prisoners allegedly supporting illicit drug trafficking activities inside the facility and another group opposed to the operations. Tensions rapidly escalated overnight into Monday as rioting inmates managed to overpower guards and seize firearms from the prison's armory.

The situation deteriorated further as the violence spread across the complex. Seeking to escape the chaos or demanding their own release, a group of female inmates in an adjacent section climbed onto the roof of their building. A section of the roof later collapsed under the weight, inflicting severe injuries on several women.

"The situation got completely out of hand this morning. Four prison guards were tragically killed when they bravely attempted to break up the rioting inmates."— Local Police Official

Hospital Director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed that the local Negombo Hospital and Colombo's National Hospital have been overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. Victimized inmates and injured security personnel are currently being treated for critical wounds, including gunshot lacerations, severe cuts, and blunt-force trauma.

Outside the facility, heavy deployments of the Police Special Task Force (STF) and dedicated riot control units have formed a tight perimeter. While police commandos remain positioned on the outer boundaries, the Sri Lankan Air Force has deployed drones and a helicopter to monitor the movements of rioting prisoners inside. Army Spokesman Brigadier Waruna Gamage confirmed that military personnel have been requested to provide tactical support and remain on active standby.

The deadly outbreak has once again cast a harsh light on the systemic crisis within Sri Lanka's penal system. Official figures reveal that the country's prisons are holding more than 41,250 inmates—nearly four times the maximum intended capacity of roughly 10,000 nationwide.

In an immediate attempt to de-escalate the localized network of violence, prison authorities have transferred three key instigating inmates to the Pallansena Prison Camp.

Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake stated that on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons, a dedicated, special investigation team has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the exact security lapses that allowed the riot to happen.

Concurrently, a separate police investigation and a magisterial inquiry are underway. Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara has demanded a comprehensive and transparent report on the catastrophe as emergency forces continue their efforts to fully restore order.