Wellawaya drowning: Death toll rises to two

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police says that body of one more person who went swimming at the Ellewala waterfall in Wellawaya, was found.

One person out of four is reported missing and a search operation is underway.

The deceased have been identified as residents of Paramulla, Matara, aged 53 and 68.

Meanwhile, Police say that drowning incidents are more frequently reported during the weekends, adding that people who travel to various locations on trips should be careful when swimming in water sources and engaging in leisure activities.

Police noted that most drownings incidents are due to the lack of awareness of the water currents and negligence.

According to statistics, the rate drowning for Sri Lanka averaged over three years from 2016-2018 was 3.5 deaths per 100,000 people.