Two people drowned in separate incidents during post-Avurudu weekend outings on Saturday, bringing the holiday-period drowning toll to at least 22, police said.
In Mihintale, a 55-year-old man from Maradan Kulama drowned in Maradankulama Tank after jumping in to save his son and another child who had got into difficulty while bathing. Both children survived. The man’s body was recovered by police and bystanders.
Separately, a 17-year-old from Lunugala, Badulla, drowned while bathing in the Seethawaka River at Hinguralakanda, Dehiowita. He had been visiting a relative’s home for the holiday.
Police spokesperson ASP F.U. Wutler urged the public to avoid bathing in unfamiliar waterways during weekend outings and to heed warning signs in areas unsuitable for swimming.
At least 20 people died by drowning between April 12 and 16 during the Avurudu holiday period, with Saturday’s two deaths extending the toll. The Avurudu season has also seen 49 road fatalities and 29,000 hospital admissions from accidents during the festivities.
