The death toll from the Deduru Oya drowning tragedy has risen to eight after the recovery of the last two missing bodies, Sri Lanka Police confirmed on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when a group of 15 people went bathing in the river at Kuratiyagahamula in the Kobeygane area. Seven members of the group from Kadawatha had been visiting a relative’s house in Kobeygane when the larger party went to the river during the post-Avurudu festive period.
Strong currents swept several members of the group away. Two bodies — a 70-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman — were initially recovered on Wednesday, with two survivors admitted to Nikaweratiya Hospital.
Four more bodies were recovered during Thursday morning search operations, bringing the toll to six. The final two victims were found later in the day, police said.
The victims included four men, two women, and two children. Search efforts were supported by police and Sri Lanka Navy diving units.
The Deduru Oya tragedy is the single deadliest water incident during the 2026 Avurudu festive season, which has seen a surge in accidents. Authorities had earlier warned the public about the dangers of bathing in rivers and reservoirs during the holiday period.
