Sri Lanka is investigating clashes inside Negombo prison in which at least 25 inmates are reported dead and many others are injured. Multiple outlets report that violence breaks out between rival groups of prisoners, widely described as drug-related factions, with accounts differing on whether the conflict includes gangs supporting or opposing drug trafficking activities. Several reports say the fighting escalates after inmates seize firearms from guards, and that guards are overpowered during the unrest. Authorities deploy security forces to secure the prison perimeter; armed commandos or special forces are not sent into the prison according to one report, while other accounts describe special forces being used to help restore order. Injured prisoners are taken to Negombo hospital, with reports citing more than 100 wounded in some cases. Reports also describe ongoing clearing of areas inside the prison and tightened security following the incident. The government launches criminal investigations, with officials telling parliament that inquiries are underway into what caused the riot and how it was carried out. Reported death tolls vary by outlet as the figures are updated, rising from around 19 to 27 in some accounts.