Navy Rescues 60 Passengers from Flood-Trapped Bus in Rajanganaya

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a daring overnight rescue operation, the Sri Lanka Navy saved 60 passengers who were trapped inside a bus swept by raging floodwaters near the Kala Oya bridge.

The dramatic incident unfolded yesterday afternoon when the bus, en route from Anuradhapura to Colombo, was caught in the sudden surge of water following heavy rains.

According to Navy Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath, the rescue was carried out using naval boats under extreme conditions.

Among those rescued were a foreign national woman and a Supreme Court judge. All passengers have been admitted to Nochchiyagama Hospital for medical observation.

After the bus became immobilized near the bridge, floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing the Navy to move passengers to the roof of a nearby building for temporary safety.

The rescue teams faced multiple challenges, including strong currents and limited visibility, requiring several attempts to transfer passengers safely to boats.

The operation was closely monitored by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence throughout the night.