BASL calls for independent, transparent probe into Negombo Prison deaths

• Urges accountability, publication of findings and wider prison reforms following deadly unrest

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for an independent, transparent, and expeditious investigation into the recent violence at Negombo Prison, while urging the Government to use the tragedy as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms to the country’s prison and criminal justice systems.

In a statement issued yesterday, the BASL expressed profound concern over the incidents at Negombo Prison between 5 and 7 July, which reportedly claimed 27 lives, including seven prison officers, and left more than 100 people injured.

The BASL unequivocally condemned all acts of violence, irrespective of their source, stating that violence within places of detention undermines the Rule of Law, erodes public confidence in the administration of justice, and endangers the lives of prisoners, prison officers, and others responsible for managing correctional institutions.

It also noted reports that tensions had arisen in several other prisons and urged the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and prison officers.

While welcoming the Government’s decision to appoint an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, the BASL said the inquiry must be conducted independently, impartially, transparently, and without delay. It said 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 recommend reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents.

The Association also called for the findings of the inquiry to be made public, subject only to limitations required in the interests of justice or national security.

The BASL stressed that anyone found to have engaged in criminal conduct or official misconduct, whether prisoners, prison officers, or any other person, should be held accountable in accordance with the law and afforded due process.

It further called for prompt medical treatment for those injured and appropriate support for the families of those who lost their lives.

The Association said the incident should not be viewed as an isolated event but as a reflection of longstanding structural deficiencies within Sri Lanka’s prison system and the wider administration of criminal justice.

It reiterated that persons deprived of their liberty do not forfeit their fundamental rights, noting that many remand prisoners have not been convicted of any offence and continue to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.

At the same time, the BASL said prison officers perform an essential public function under difficult conditions and are entitled to safe working conditions, adequate resources, facilities, and institutional support.

The BASL also urged authorities to address chronic prison overcrowding through a broader review of criminal justice policies, including the timely disposal of cases, appropriate use of bail, greater reliance on non-custodial sentencing where appropriate, strengthened rehabilitation programs, improved prison infrastructure, adequate staffing, and modern prison management.

Extending its condolences to the families of those who died, the BASL said meaningful accountability requires not only identifying responsibility for the incident but also addressing the underlying conditions that gave rise to the tragedy to prevent a recurrence.