5th September 2025
Amid the tragic bus accident that occurred at Ravana Falls on the Ella–Wellawaya road last evening (04), Lance Corporal W.M.V.M. Bandara, a soldier of the 2nd Regiment of Special Forces who was on leave, voluntarily displayed extraordinary bravery by rescuing three lives, despite sustaining a severe head injury during the mission.
The first group of Army personnel reached the accident site around 9.20 p.m. A large crowd had already gathered, and among them was a young man wearing a Special Forces T-shirt, who was guiding a small group of local youths in rescue efforts.
At the location where the bus had come to a halt, four bodies and three injured passengers were trapped on a ledge above the vehicle, a spot almost impossible to access under normal circumstances. Demonstrating exceptional courage, the heroic soldier risked his life by climbing down and bringing all the victims to safety.
While using a rope tied around his body to lift one of the injured passengers, he was struck on the head by a falling rock, sustaining a deep wound. However, he continued his rescue work despite the pain until all victims were safely evacuated. He was later admitted to the Badulla Hospital for further medical treatment.
