Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is deeply shocked and saddened by the Ella bus accident, calling it a national tragedy that has brought immense sorrow to his hometown Tangalle and to the entire country.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended his condolences to the victims of the devastating Ella–Wellawaya bus accident that claimed multiple lives, including that of Tangalle Municipal Council Secretary T. W. K. Rupasena.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Rajapaksa expressed sorrow and gratitude toward the many Sri Lankans who came forward in the wake of the tragedy, including villagers, the military, emergency services, and medical teams.
Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Statement
“I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the bus accident that occurred on the Ella-Wellawaya road last night (04).
It is reported that the accident that occurred in the Rawana Ella area while returning from a picnic from the Tangalle area has resulted in the loss of lives of many people including the Secretary of the Tangalle Municipal Council, Mr. T. W. K. Rupasena, and many others, and that many others have been injured.
I know that this accident, which has touched the hearts of the people of the entire country, is a matter of great sorrow for everyone in my hometown, Tangalle.
I express my gratitude to the residents of the area, especially young children, the police, the army and air force, the fire brigade officers, the medical teams, and everyone who acted quickly in a very dangerous environment and rescued lives by descending the cliff with the help of ropes. I also remember the head of the emergency treatment unit of the Badulla General Hospital, Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa, and the medical staff at this time.
I wish the speedy recovery of all those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the Tangalle Municipal Council staff and everyone involved in this unfortunate incident.
We all wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in the bus accident and to the dear people who were injured while trying to rescue the victims.”
National Tragedy and Tangalle’s Loss
Rajapaksa emphasized that this incident has deeply affected not just Tangalle but the entire nation, as it involved municipal staff and their families returning from a picnic. His words highlight the collective grief shared by Sri Lankans and the heroic role played by rescue teams and civilians who risked their lives in the rescue operation.
This tragic accident underscores the dangers of Sri Lanka’s treacherous roads and the urgent need for stronger road safety measures.
