Sri Lanka has one of the highest drowning rates in the world, with more than three deaths a day. In Sri Lanka, over 800 people die annually due to drowning the second leading cause of accidental death in Sri Lanka.

4 persons have drowned and another reported missing while bathing in the Uma Oya Garandi Ella fall Etampitiya last evening (29).

Police said that a 19,21 and 23-year-old females and a 23-year-old male had drowned in the incident.

Police said that group of people bathing in the fall at Etampitiya last evening were swept away by strong currents and that one of them were rescued. 

A person (36) has drowned while washing hands in Maduru Oya River at Aralaganwila area last evening. A school student in Rathgama area has drowned while bathing a pet dog with his father.

World Drowning Prevention Day July 25
World Drowning Prevention Day July 25