Negombo prison riot compensation: Rights group accuses govt. of discrimination

The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has accused the government of discrimination for not paying compensation to families of remand prisoners killed in the recent Negombo prison riot. On July 5 and 6, 2026, 21 remand prisoners and 10 prison officers lost their lives during clashes between remand prisoners and convicts.

According to CPRP attorney Senaka Perera, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka should investigate the government's discriminatory policy, as prison officers were given adequate compensation. The government had announced a compensation package of Rs 5 million each for the families of officers who lost their lives or became disabled during the clashes at Negombo Prison.

However, the families of dead remand prisoners have not received any compensation. Perera emphasized that the government should not forget that families of dead remand prisoners should also receive financial assistance. The government's decision to provide compensation was based on recommendations submitted by a committee under the leadership of Ayesha Jinasena, PC.

The Ministry Secretary could not be reached for comment. Prison spokesman Senaka Pallethenna confirmed that the families of dead officers had been paid Rs 7 million. Perera criticized the government's response as contrary to the stance taken by the JVP/NPP during the 2024 national elections. He expressed concerns over the lack of clarity on the events that unfolded at the Negombo prison and called on the HRCSL and a three-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando to reveal the truth.