Sri Lanka Opens Prison Riot Probe as Toll Rises to 27 The recent prison riot in Negombo, which has claimed 27 lives and injured more than 100 people, is a stark reminder of the deep seated issues plaguing Sri Lanka's corrections system.
The incident, sparked by clashes between rival drug gangs, has led to widespread condemnation and calls for reform.
One of the most striking aspects of this tragedy is the role of overcrowding in exacerbating the violence. With prisons operating at four times their intended capacity, conditions inside are ripe for unrest.