21st October 2025
A large-scale Search and Rescue Training Exercise was conducted on 16 October 2025 along the Ella–Wellawaya road, organized by the Badulla District Disaster Management Unit. The exercise was based on the analytical findings of the real-life rescue operation following the tragic bus accident that occurred on 04 September 2025, with the aim of enhancing readiness and coordination for future emergency responses.
The drill was conducted with the participation of multiple agencies, including the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Diyatalawa, Special Task Force, Ella Police, Fire and Rescue Units of Badulla and Bandarawela, Teaching Hospital Badulla, General Hospitals of Diyatalawa and Bandarawela, Ceylon Electricity Board, 1990 Ambulance Service, Road Development Authority and several volunteer organizations.
During the exercise, a simulated scenario assumed that a bus had fallen down a 500-foot precipice near the 25th kilometre post on the Ella–Wellawaya road.
All participating institutions coordinated their efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, evaluate response capabilities, improve casualty handling procedures and enhance communication and night operation efficiency.
The 112 Infantry Brigade, under the command of Brigadier B.A.D.N.K. Bulathsinhala RWP RSP USP psc, led the search and rescue operations, with the participation of troops from the 23 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, 3 Commando Regiment, 1 Gemunu Watch, and 5 Gemunu Watch.
The exercise was supervised by Hon. J.M. Kapila Jayasekara, Governor of Uva Province, and Mr. P.S.P. Abeywardhana, District Secretary of Badulla. The Governor commended all participating agencies for their professionalism and joint efforts in strengthening the disaster management mechanism in the Badulla District.
