Sri Lanka, July 14 -- The National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) has allocated Rs. 16 million to award compensation for the eight prison guards who lost their lives in the Negombo Prison clash last week.

According to information received regarding these deaths, all the affected officers were registered members of the 'Agrahara Gold' insurance scheme. Since all eight deceased officers were married, arrangements are underway to provide their compensation claims to their wives and children (dependents) within the next few days.

The NITF stated that over Rs. 16 million has already been set aside for these compensation payments. Preliminary information has been gathered by coordinating with the head office of the Prisons Department, and claims...