The Cabinet of Ministers has approved special compensation and financial relief for prison officers who were killed or injured while on duty during clashes at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, 2026, Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, the minister said the Cabinet had decided on August 3, 2026, to appoint a committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration to make recommendations on compensation for the affected officers.
The committee has since submitted its report, and the Cabinet has approved the implementation of its recommendations.
Under the approved proposal, the special payments will be made in addition to the compensation available under Public Administration Circular No. 22/93.
Accordingly, Rs. 5 million will be paid for each officer killed in the clashes, while an officer who suffered total disability will also receive Rs. 5 million. Officers who sustained partial disability resulting in a 100% loss of maximum earning capacity will be entitled to Rs. 4 million, while those who suffered temporary partial disability will receive Rs. 3 million.
The Cabinet has also approved amendments to the Prisons Ordinance to establish a formal legal framework for the Prisons Tactical Force.
Measures will be taken to strengthen the force by recruiting an adequate number of qualified personnel, providing specialised training in relevant fields and equipping officers with modern equipment.
Plans are also in place to establish a dedicated headquarters for the force at a suitable location, the minister said.
