July 14, Colombo (LNW): The death toll from the violent unrest at Negombo Prison has risen to 31 after two more prison officers died while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Police said the officers, aged 25 and 39, passed away on July 13 and in the early hours of July 14 at the National Hospital in Colombo, where they had been receiving specialised medical care.
With their deaths, the number of prison officers killed in the clashes has increased to 10. Authorities also confirmed that 21 inmates lost their lives during the violence, which erupted inside the prison on 5 and 6 July.
Several prison officers and inmates who were injured in the disturbances remain under medical treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo and Negombo Hospital. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation are continuing as officials work to determine the full sequence of events.