A water controller, W. G. Dharmasena (53), lost his life after drowning in the Jaya Ganga River while performing his duties at the Amunukolaya sluice gates in Eppawala. The 53-year-old experienced officer was employed in controlling the flow of water from Kalaweva to Anuradhapura.
The tragedy unfolded when Dharmasena attempted to remove logs and branches obstructing the sluice gates. While using a hook to clear the debris, he is believed to have lost his balance and plunged into the raging waters.
Alarmed by his father’s absence, one of Dharmasena’s sons approached the Eppawala police around 7:00 p.m. on the 28th, expressing concerns about his whereabouts. A joint search operation involving local residents and the police ensued, leading to the heartbreaking discovery of Dharmasena’s lifeless body at approximately 10:00 p.m.
The Eppawala police have launched an investigation into the incident, with the initial suspicion pointing towards accidental drowning while clearing the sluice gates.
