The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced investigations into the recent deadly violence at Negombo Prison, while the Department of Prisons has granted posthumous promotions to the eight prison officers who lost their lives during the incident.
The prison unrest claimed the lives of eight prison officers and 21 inmates, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the country's prison system in recent years.
As part of the ongoing investigation, CID officers have begun recording statements from injured prison officers and inmates receiving treatment at both the Negombo Hospital and the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
Police said statements have already been obtained from 29 individuals receiving treatment at the National Hospital. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence from other injured prison officers, although some have not yet been able to provide statements due to their medical condition.
According to the Department of Prisons, Second Grade Jailer S.H.S. Chandrawansa, who died during the incident, has been posthumously promoted to the rank of First Grade Jailer. The remaining prison officers who lost their lives have also been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Meanwhile, all female inmates housed at Negombo Prison have been transferred to other correctional facilities as authorities continue investigations and security assessments at the prison.
Funeral arrangements for the deceased officers are also continuing, with family members, colleagues and senior prison officials paying their final respects.
The CID investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances that led to the violence and determine any criminal responsibility arising from the incident.
