At Welikada Prison in Colombo, a serious conflict occurred between inmates and prison guards, highlighting longstanding issues within Sri Lanka's correctional facilities. The situation escalated when inmates protested against overcrowding and harsh conditions. As tensions rose, clashes erupted, leading to fatal confrontations that left at least 27 people dead, including inmates and guards. Many others sustained injuries during the conflict, prompting an urgent response from security forces to regain control of the facility.

The riots at Welikada Prison drew significant media attention and led to discussions regarding overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons, where inmate numbers often exceeded capacity. Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, contributing to deteriorating living conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and increased violence within prisons. The incident at Welikada reflected a larger pattern of unrest within the criminal justice system in Sri Lanka, as it faced scrutiny for its treatment of inmates.

In the aftermath, the government faced pressure to reform prison policies and improve conditions. Public outcry increased concerning the treatment of prisoners and calls for human rights reforms became louder. The conflict also shed light on broader issues within the justice system, including sentencing practices and rehabilitation efforts. The events at Welikada would continue to resonate in discussions about the need for systemic reform in Sri Lanka's correctional and judicial systems.