Sri Lanka, July 7 -- Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated that as the Justice Minister, since such a conflict occurred in an institution under his jurisdiction, he accepts responsibility for the Negombo Prison clash.

Speaking to the media yesterday (6) afternoon, he said that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the incident and expressed his deepest condolences and regret to the families of the deceased. The Minister said that the situation has now been stabilised and added that the loss of anyone's life cannot be tolerated and that steps must be taken to prevent a similar situation from taking place in the future.

He noted that this conflict was between two gangs in the underworld housed in the Negomb...