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Wafric News – May 11, 2025

At least 21 lives were lost and several others left injured after a bus carrying Buddhist pilgrims veered off a cliff in central Sri Lanka early Sunday morning, in what officials have described as one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years.

The accident occurred near Kotmale, a remote mountainous area roughly 140km east of Colombo, the island nation’s capital. The vehicle—part of the state-run transport fleet—was travelling from the southern town of Kataragama, a major religious site, to Kurunegala in the north-central region, a journey of nearly 250km.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, 21 people were confirmed dead at the scene, while at least 14 others were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Local television footage showed the devastating aftermath, with the bus lying mangled at the foot of a steep drop. Emergency responders and civilian volunteers worked together to pull survivors from the wreckage.

The passengers were part of a larger group of Buddhist devotees returning from a pilgrimage—an annual tradition for many Sri Lankans seeking spiritual renewal at Kataragama, a sacred site revered by multiple faiths.

Authorities are yet to release the names of the victims, and investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Initial reports suggest the bus may have lost control on a sharp bend in the highland terrain, though weather conditions at the time of the crash remain unclear.

This tragedy highlights ongoing road safety concerns in Sri Lanka’s hilly interior, where narrow roads and aging transport fleets often pose risks for long-distance travellers.

The government has pledged a full investigation, with calls growing for improved oversight of long-haul buses operating in high-risk areas.


By WafricNews Desk.

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