COLOMBO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities have brought the unrest at the Negombo Prison under control and launched several investigations into the violent clashes that killed 26 people, officials said Tuesday.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the dead included seven prison officers and 19 inmates, adding that 23 prison officers and 54 inmates were receiving treatment in hospitals.
The Colombo Crime Division and the Criminal Investigation Department have launched investigations after obtaining a court order, and the investigations will examine the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible, police said.
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has also decided to launch a special investigation into the incident, Human Rights Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa said.
Punchihewa said a team of commission officials visited the prison on Monday, but could not begin the inquiry because of the tense situation at the prison. He said the commission would return to the prison in the next few days to begin a full investigation.
Nanayakkara, who visited the prison after the clashes, said inmates involved in the violence appeared to have aimed to disrupt prison operations. He expressed shock and sorrow over the incident and said he accepted responsibility as the prison came under his ministry.
The minister said the unrest had been brought under control, but added that the loss of life could not be justified and measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Police and Special Task Force personnel have been deployed to maintain security at the prison, Prisons Commissioner and Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said.
Gajanayake said female inmates continued to stage a protest.
Hospital sources said 20 seriously injured people had been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment, while 58 others were receiving treatment at the Negombo General Hospital. Several of the injured remained in critical condition, hospital sources said.
The initial clash broke out on July 5 between a group of inmates allegedly involved in drug trafficking and another group opposing the drug trade inside the prison, according to officials.
The Department of Prisons said around 700 inmates had been transferred to Agunakolapelessa, Dumbara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kuruwita prisons as a security measure.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and submit a report, the Government Information Department said, adding that it will be chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando. ■
