At least 25 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after deadly clashes erupted at a prison on the outskirts of Sri Lanka's capital on Monday.

The violence began on Sunday at the prison in Negombo, around 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Colombo, and continued into Monday, according to local media and police, reports AP.

Media reported that those killed included both inmates and prison officials, while more than 100 others sustained injuries in the unrest.

Police spokesman Chandana Herath confirmed that a violent clash had taken place inside the prison and acknowledged that fatalities had occurred. However, he did not provide further details.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the violence.

An official at the area's main state-run hospital said more than 100 people injured in the prison clashes had been admitted for treatment. 

The official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, did not disclose the nature of the injuries.

Sri Lanka's prison system has long struggled with severe overcrowding, housing more than 39,000 inmates despite having an official capacity of only about 10,000.

MSH

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