Deadly prison clashes in Sri Lanka leave at least 20 dead, more than 100 injured

At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted at a prison in Negombo, north of Sri Lanka's capital, according to local media reports and police.

The unrest began Sunday at the prison in Negombo, about 35 kilometres north of Colombo, and continued into Monday. Authorities have not released details on what triggered the violence.

According to local television station Hiru, those killed include both inmates and prison officials. The broadcaster also reported that more than 100 people were injured in the incident.

Police spokesperson Chandana Herath confirmed that a clash had taken place inside the prison and that fatalities had been reported. However, police had not provided an official death toll or additional details about the circumstances of the violence as of publication time.