The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed deep concern over the violent incidents that occurred at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, describing the tragedy as a serious threat to the rule of law and a reflection of long-standing structural problems within Sri Lanka’s prison system.
In a statement issued on July 8, BASL noted that the incidents reportedly claimed the lives of 27 people, including seven prison officers, while more than 100 others were injured. The Association strongly condemned all forms of violence, regardless of their origin, emphasizing that violence within correctional institutions undermines public confidence in the administration of justice and endangers the lives of inmates, prison officers, and all those working within the prison system.
BASL urged the Government and all relevant authorities to take immediate steps to restore order and ensure the safety and security of both prisoners and prison staff across the country. It also highlighted reports of heightened tensions in several other prisons, calling for preventive measures to avoid further violence and ensure that detention facilities continue to operate in accordance with the rule of law and with respect for the dignity and rights of every individual.
The Association further raised concerns over reports that statutory oversight bodies had encountered obstacles while carrying out their legal responsibilities following the incidents. It stated that if such reports are confirmed, they should form part of the independent investigation.
Welcoming the Government’s decision to appoint an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, BASL stressed that public confidence in the process would depend on the inquiry being conducted independently, impartially, transparently, and without delay. According to the Association, the investigation should establish the full sequence of events, determine whether any unlawful acts or omissions contributed to the tragedy, identify failures in prison administration, security, or oversight, and make recommendations aimed not only at assigning responsibility but also at preventing similar incidents in the future.
BASL also called for the findings of the inquiry to be made public, subject only to limitations necessary in the interests of justice or national security. It insisted that anyone found responsible for criminal conduct or official misconductāwhether prisoners, prison officers, or any other individualsāmust be held accountable through due legal process.
The statement emphasized the need for those injured in the incidents to receive prompt and adequate medical treatment, while appropriate support should also be extended to the families of those who lost their lives.
Describing the violence as more than an isolated incident, BASL said it reflected deeper institutional shortcomings within Sri Lanka’s prison administration. It reiterated that individuals deprived of their liberty do not lose their fundamental rights or inherent dignity. The Association also noted that many persons currently held in remand custody have not been convicted of any offence and continue to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law.
At the same time, BASL acknowledged the difficult conditions under which prison officers perform their duties, stating that they are entitled to safe working environments, adequate resources, proper facilities, and institutional support. It stressed that the State has a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of both prisoners and prison officers while ensuring that all persons in custody are treated in accordance with the Constitution and Sri Lanka’s legal obligations.
The Association identified chronic prison overcrowding as one of the key structural issues requiring urgent attention. It called for expanding prison capacity, reviewing remand practices, speeding up the disposal of criminal cases, making greater use of bail and non-custodial sentencing where appropriate, strengthening rehabilitation programmes, improving prison infrastructure, increasing staffing levels, and modernizing prison management.
BASL concluded by urging the relevant authorities to conduct a credible and transparent investigation, ensure accountability for those responsible, and use the tragedy as an opportunity to implement meaningful and lasting reforms within Sri Lanka’s prison and criminal justice systems. It stated that true accountability would not end with identifying those responsible but would also require addressing the underlying conditions that gave rise to the violence.
The Association extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the rule of law, protecting human dignity, and promoting a fair, humane, and effective justice system in Sri Lanka.
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