According to the Minister of Disaster Management, Mahinda Amaraweera, one hundred and fifty two (152) persons are reported to be missing owing to the landslide that occurred in the Meeriyabedda area in Koslanda.

The DMC said that a total of  three bodies were recovered from the rubble. News1st reporters are currently en route to the location of the landslide by land and air. According to residents, a line of shops have been destroyed as a result of the land slide.

Residents also said that children are among the trapped individuals.

The Assistant Director of the Badulla DMC, E.L.M Udayakumara stated that rescue operations are being carried out by the police and the army following orders from the district secretariat.

• Police attack peaceful protesters in Colombo protesting government’s lavish Independence Day gala
• Police use tear gas, water canons on peaceful protesters in central Colombo
• Two PUCSL members submit resignation letters to the President
• CEB takes back assurance on suspending power cuts
• Galle Face & surrounding areas out of bounds until end of Independence Day