By The Pulseline News Desk
The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka has called for renewed investment in the country’s prison system following the deadly violence at Negombo Prison, describing the tragedy as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve prison safety, detention conditions and the wellbeing of both inmates and correctional staff.
In a statement issued on Tuesday (7), the UN expressed profound sorrow over the incident, which claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left more than 100 others injured.
Extending condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, the UN also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The statement underscored that both prison officers and inmates deserve greater protection, noting that correctional staff carry out demanding responsibilities in service of the State and the public, while prisoners remain under the State’s care and protection.
“The inmates who died or were injured were under the care and protection of the State. Those who serve the penitentiary system and those held within it deserve greater protection. Ensuring that protection is a fundamental responsibility of the State,” the UN said.
The organisation said the violence had once again exposed longstanding structural challenges within Sri Lanka’s prison system, including chronic overcrowding, outdated practices and inadequate detention conditions. Addressing these issues, it noted, requires sustained investment and reforms that prioritise safety, dignity and humane treatment.
The UN further observed that Sri Lanka’s commitments under international human rights standards provide an important framework for strengthening the treatment, safety and wellbeing of people deprived of their liberty.
Welcoming the Government’s decision to appoint an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence, the UN expressed hope that the inquiry would not only establish the facts but also help drive meaningful reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reaffirming its support for Sri Lanka, the UN said it remains committed to providing technical cooperation to strengthen prison safety, improve detention conditions and support the welfare of correctional personnel, stressing that the lessons from the Negombo Prison tragedy should serve as a catalyst for lasting change across the country’s prison system.
Committee to probe Negombo Prison unrest
Meanwhile, a Committee of Inquiry has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the unrest at Negombo Prison on 5 and 6 July and determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
The committee was appointed on by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The three-member committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando. Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Milinda Gunatilake and President’s Counsel Mohan Weerakoon have been appointed as members.
Senior Assistant Secretary to the President K.L.D. Asela will serve as the Secretary and Convener of the Committee of Inquiry.
The committee has been tasked with carrying out a thorough investigation into the prison unrest and submitting a report on the events and factors that contributed to the incident.
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