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.
A total of 38 medium and large-scale reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation are currently spilling, while elevated water levels continue to affect several rivers and low-lying areas across Sri Lanka, an irrigation official said.
Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said reservoirs such as Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Inginimitiya, Yan Oya and Usgala Siyambalangamuwa were recording comparatively high spill levels.
Although no immediate threat of major flooding had been identified under the prevailing conditions, water levels in several reservoirs and rivers remained high, he said.
Rainfall eased yesterday, with some areas in the upper catchments of the Kalu and Kelani rivers recording around 60 millimetres. Certain locations in the upper Kelani River catchment received approximately 40 millimetres, according to the Irrigation Department.
Water levels in the upper reaches of most rivers are gradually receding. However, minor flooding persists in low-lying areas along the Nilwala, Gin, Kalu and Kelani rivers.
Sooriyabandara said water levels along the Nilwala River remained around minor flood thresholds downstream of Akuressa, particularly in Thalgahagoda and areas near Matara. Similar conditions were reported in Baddegama along the Gin River.
Elevated water levels were also observed at Millakanda, Putupawula and Ellagawa along the Kalu River. He cautioned that further rises could affect low-lying areas of the Kalutara District if additional rainfall occurs.
Meanwhile, water levels in the upper reaches of the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are gradually declining. Nevertheless, floodwater may continue to affect low-lying areas in the Gampaha District, including Katana and Ja-Ela.
The Irrigation Department has forecast moderate rainfall today and warned that river levels and water levels in flood-prone areas could rise again if further precipitation occurs.
The public has been advised to refrain from bathing, engaging in water sports and undertaking other potentially dangerous activities in areas where floodwaters remain.
