The Cabinet of Ministers has approved implementing recommendations to provide special compensation and relief to prison officers, who lost their lives or were injured on duty during the clashes at the Negombo Prison on 5 and 6 July 2026.
On 3 August 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to appoint a committee headed by the Justice and National Integration Ministry Secretary to make recommendations on compensation and relief for the affected officers. The committee has since submitted its report, which was presented to the Cabinet by the Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
‘As per the approved recommendations, special compensation will be paid in addition to the compensation already provided under Public Administration Circular No. 22/93,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.
A sum of Rs. 5 million will be paid to each officer, who died and to each officer who became completely disabled. An officer who has become partially disabled, with a maximum earning capacity of 100%, will receive Rs. 4 million, while an officer who became temporarily partially disabled will receive Rs. 3 million, the Government said.
The Cabinet of Ministers also approved a series of measures to strengthen the Prison Tactical Force. These include amending the Prisons Ordinance to grant the force legal status, recruiting an adequate number of suitable officers, and providing formal training in relevant fields along with the necessary modern equipment.
‘Steps will also be taken to establish a Prison Tactical Force Headquarters at a suitable location,’ he added.