An Indian national who was killed during a deadly Sri Lanka jail riot in July was buried under special police protection on September 2, 2026, authorities told the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. The victim was identified as Unnikrishnan S, 73, a Kerala-born man who had reportedly lived with his family in Chennai for more than 40 years.Key HighlightsUnnikrishnan S, 73, was killed during violence at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka.The prison violence took place on July 5 and 6, 2026.His burial was held on September 2 under special police protection.Officials from the Indian High Commission in Colombo attended the burial.The wider prison riot left 22 inmates and 10 prison officials dead.Who Was Unnikrishnan S?According to media reports, Unnikrishnan S was originally from Kerala but had been living with his family in Chennai for over four decades."He travelled to Sri Lanka on March 2, 2026. He was later arrested over allegations of possessing ganja and was remanded to Negombo Prison, located in Sri Lanka’s Western Province.:He was inside the prison when violence broke out among inmates on July 5 and 6.During the clashes, Unnikrishnan was killed.What Happened at Negombo Prison?The Sri Lanka prison violence was reportedly linked to a dispute between rival inmate groups over drugs.The clashes became extremely serious. According to authorities, 22 prisoners and 10 prison officials were killed, while around 100 other people were injured.Officials have also said that severe overcrowding inside the prison made it difficult for authorities to control the violence.The incident became one of the deadliest episodes of Sri Lanka prison violence in recent years.Burial Held Under Police ProtectionThe Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Negombo Magistrate’s Court that Unnikrishnan’s burial took place on September 2.The burial was carried out according to the court’s direction and was paid for by the Sri Lankan state.Officials from the Indian High Commission in Colombo also participated in the burial.The CID further told the court that the clothes and footwear worn by Unnikrishnan at the time of his death had been submitted for forensic examination.Investigation Into Sri Lanka Jail Riot ContinuesThe court is hearing cases against suspects linked to the prison riot.'An identification parade involving five suspects was held on September 9, while another 11 suspects are scheduled for an identification parade on September 10.:Authorities said a total of 81 suspects are expected to face trial in connection with the violence.The investigation is continuing as authorities examine how the clashes started, the deaths of inmates and officials, and the circumstances surrounding the Kerala man killed in Sri Lanka. The case remains under judicial and police investigation.
