Security personnel stand guard outside the prison where deadly clashes broke out on Sunday, in Negombo, 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the capital Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo)
Clashes broke out inside a prison on the outskirts of the Sri Lankan capital, killing at least 26 people and wounding more than 100 others, officials and a television station said Monday. Police said the disturbances at Negombo prison, about 35 kilometers north of the capital, Colombo, began on Sunday and continued on Monday.On Monday, Sri Lankan Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara claimed responsibility for the unrest. “This is an institution that is under my responsibility, so I bear responsibility,” Nanayakkara said. “Seven prison officials and 19 inmates have died.” He said the situation was under control.Preliminary findings revealed that violence is believed to have broken out between a group that allegedly supports drug trafficking activities within the prison and another group that opposes such activities.