- Note that the image above was created by AI.
When disaster struck on the Ella-Wellawaya road, it was not just the army and police who stepped in, but villagers, hotel workers, climbers, and everyday citizens who became real-life heroes in one of Sri Lanka’s toughest rescue missions.
The road accident near the 24th milepost on the Ella-Wellawaya road turned into a tragedy that tested the courage and humanity of Sri Lankans. A bus carrying employees of the Tangalle Municipal Council and their families plunged nearly 1000 feet into a steep precipice, leaving dozens trapped and injured. But amid the wreckage, an extraordinary story unfolded.
From the moment news of the accident broke on September 4 at around 9.20 pm, people began rallying to help. Social media became a lifeline as urgent posts circulated on Facebook pleading for ropes, flashlights, and even water bottles to aid the rescue mission. Within minutes, locals rushed to the site, while mountaineering groups from nearby tourist hotels brought their skills and bravery to the operation.
The Flying Ravana adventure team was among the first on the scene. As trained First Responders, they scaled the dangerous slope despite the lack of initial equipment. “When we went down, many people were very injured, and some had already died. We acted fast with the villagers and the army to bring survivors up. It was heartbreaking, but we did our best,” one member said.
Doctors, police officers, and villagers worked side by side through the night, risking their lives to bring victims to safety. Soldiers joined in with discipline and compassion, with Army Media Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage confirming that 100 personnel were deployed for the mission. By morning, they were not only rescuing survivors but also collecting and returning the belongings of victims to the police.
The operation also came at a cost. Two civilians who joined the rescue were hospitalized after sustaining injuries while helping others. Yet their sacrifice, along with the tireless efforts of all involved, painted a powerful picture of Sri Lanka’s resilience.
This was more than a rescue mission. It was a demonstration of how Sri Lankans come forward when tragedy calls. Ordinary citizens became extraordinary heroes, showing the world that courage, unity, and compassion can triumph even in the darkest moments.
