Claiming that the clash at the Nogombo prison had erupted between two rival groups involved in underworld activities and drugs, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara said prison officials had only intervened to resolve the clash.

The Minister told reporters that an investigation will be conducted as to whether the inmates had got hold of any weapons and, if so, how that had happened.He said as the subject Minister, he has the responsibility over the safety of the inmates and prison staff and added that if their safety cannot be ensured, it will be a big issue.