An outbreak of rioting that has spanned two days at the Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka has seen 26 people die, including seven prison guards, with more than 100 others injured. The riot reportedly erupted following conflict between inmates over an informant that ratted out a drug smuggling operation in the prison. During Sunday and Monday, prisoners reportedly grabbed weapons from the guards, took to rooftops where they were joined by female inmates from a nearby unit to protest for their release, and later attempted to breach the prison gate, resulting in an intensive crackdown by security forces. There was damage reported to the prison structure, including a collapsed roof. Many wounded guards and inmates have been taken to hospital with gunshot and other injuries. As families frantically gathered seeking information, authorities have started moving prisoners to other prisons. An investigation into the event has been initiated by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara due to the strain in the prison system, which is currently four times its capacity in Sri Lanka.