Sri Lanka, July 15 -- A special statement issued by the People's Joint Opposition emphasises the need to conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial investigation into the Negombo prison tragedy.

People's Joint Opposition statement focuses heavily on the fatal conflict situation at the Negombo Prison and on the deaths when inmates were transported to other prisons.

The statement notes that although the violence, which began on July 5, was brought under control by the same evening, the situation escalated further as the prison authorities failed to take steps to separate the inmates and prison officers involved in the conflict.

They also allege that several prison officers were directed towards the inmates on the morning of July 6 whil...