5th September 2025
A tragic accident occurred at around 9.20 p.m. yesterday (04) when a private bus skidded off the Ella–Wellawaya road near Ella Mount Heaven hotel at the 15th Mile Post, Ravana Falls, and plunged into a deep precipice.
Acting under the directions of Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, troops were promptly deployed to assist in the rescue operations.
Nearly 200 Army troops, including the 23rd Battalion of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment under the 112 Infantry Brigade, 1st and 5th Battalions of the Gemunu Watch under 1 Corps, and troops from the Commando Regiment Training School – Kuda Oya, took part in the challenging mission that began last night. The bus had come to a halt six hundred meters down the slope, making it extremely difficult to evacuate the victims.
Joint with the Specialist Commando Regiment teams, using rappelling and advanced rescue techniques, troops managed to reach the trapped passengers and bring them to safety. The rescued individuals were immediately transferred by ambulances to hospitals in Badulla, Bandarawela and Diyatalawa for urgent medical treatment.
Civilians in the area also joined hands with the Security Forces, extending their fullest support to successfully complete the mission.
Major General K.H.M.S Wickramaratne RSP, Commander - 1 Corps, Brigadier B.A.D.N.K Bulathsinhala RWP RSP USP psc, Commander - 112 Infantry Brigade, Commanding Officers of 1st and 5th Battalions of the Gemunu Watch and 23rd Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment along with their troops engaged the operation, to rescue the victims.
