A group of Opposition MPs has formally requested an urgent adjournment debate in Parliament over the recent violence at Negombo Prison, holding the government accountable for the deaths and injuries caused during the unrest.
In a letter dated July 7 addressed to the Speaker, the Opposition invoked Standing Order 19(1), citing the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of prisoners and detainees in custody, as reflected in the Parliamentary Hansard of November 30, 2020.
The MPs noted that the clashes inside Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6 resulted in 26 deaths, including both prison officers and inmates, while more than 100 others were injured.
Arguing that the government bears full responsibility for the incident, the Opposition urged the Speaker to allocate time for an urgent adjournment debate to allow Parliament to immediately discuss the matter and address the serious concerns arising from the tragedy.
