At least 25 people were killed and over 100 injured in bloody clashes among inmates at Negombo prison, located near Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, according to Reuters news agency.
Police reported that the unrest began on July 5 and continued on July 6. The dead include both inmates and prison staff.
Initial reports indicate that the conflict arose between convicted prisoners and those held under investigation. However, the exact cause of the clashes has not yet been officially disclosed.
Over 100 injured individuals were taken to a nearby state hospital. No further details have been provided regarding their condition or the nature of their injuries.
Law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
For context, Sri Lanka's prisons hold several times more inmates than their capacity. While the country's correctional facilities are designed for around 10,000 convicts, they currently hold over 39,000 people.
