Wellawaya Drowning: Tourist officials wanted warning sign removed

COLOMBO (News 1st); The death toll from the drowning incident at the Ellewala waterfall in Wellawaya rose to two when two people, aged 51 and 65, died.

The search for the missing 56-year-old continues, however it was revealed that the warning board, which was placed at the location for safety purposes, has been removed by tourism authorities. 

The Coroner, who examined the bodied this afternoon (05), was engaged in a conversation with the villagers, when the villagers revealed that they themselves paid to put up a board warning people of the dangers, however, it was removed by tourism authorities. 

According to the residents of the area, the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism had told the villagers to remove the warning board after it was put up, in order to enable tourists to visit the attraction. 

The coroner responded, stating that the very same Secretary to the Ministry must observe the tragedy that took place before making such dangerous decisions. 

Wellawaya Police is conducting further investigations into the incident.