Officer who opened fire during Negombo Prison unrest moved to Pallekele

A prison officer who opened fire during the violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has been temporarily transferred to the Pallekele Prison while investigations into the incident are underway, Prison Department Spokesman and Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake said.

The shooting took place on July 6 after a group of inmates allegedly attempted to break through the prison’s wooden gate during the violence.

According to preliminary investigations, inmates had launched a life-threatening attack on prison officers, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm in an effort to bring the situation under control and protect the lives of prison personnel.

An investigation has been launched to determine whether the use of the firearm was in accordance with prison regulations and whether the officer acted within the scope of his authority.

The deadly unrest at the Negombo Prison has so far claimed the lives of 31 people, including 10 prison officers.