Negombo Prison Riot: Officer Who Opened Fire to Prevent Escape Receives Death Threats

A prison officer who reportedly opened fire to prevent inmates from escaping during the recent Negombo Prison riot has received death threats from prisoners, according to prison sources.

The officer is said to have reported for duty during the emergency despite undergoing treatment for dengue fever at the time of the incident.

In response to the threats, the Department of Prisons has reportedly taken steps to ensure the officer’s safety and provide additional security.

Meanwhile, an inmate identified as “Katuwellegama Suresh,” who is alleged to have masterminded the prison riot, has reportedly been severely assaulted by a group of inmates at the prison where he is currently being held.

Prison sources stated that the attack left him with serious injuries.

Investigations into the unrest have revealed that Suresh allegedly carried out the riot with the assistance of 13 other inmates.

Among them was an inmate known as “Rocky,” who is alleged to have played a significant role in organising the disturbance alongside Suresh before attempting to evade detection within the prison.

According to investigators, Rocky later tried to avoid suspicion by assisting prison officers in distributing food and beverages to inmates following the riot, creating the impression that he had not been involved in the incident.

Authorities have since transferred the group of 13 inmates to Boossa Prison as part of ongoing security measures.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken custody of 22 repeater-type firearms and 10 T-58 rifles that were being held at Negombo Prison as part of the investigation.

Officials are also expected to hand over the remaining firearms stored at the prison to the CID for further examination.

In a further development, the repeater-type firearm that had previously been reported missing following the riot has now been recovered from within the prison premises.

Investigations into the causes of the riot, the involvement of inmates, and prison security procedures are continuing.

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