Car carrying Sri Pada pilgrims plunges into Mohini Falls canal

A group travelling to Sri Pada during the off-season narrowly escaped injury after the car they were travelling in veered off the Nallathanniya–Maskeliya main road and plunged into a canal near Mohini Falls.

The group, comprising residents of Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, had arrived at the Nallathanniya Police Station at around 11.00 p.m. yesterday (19) and informed police of their intention to visit Sri Pada.

Police officers had advised the group against travelling at night due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions and requested them to return in the morning.

However, while the group was returning in their car to find accommodation, the vehicle reportedly skidded off the road near the Mohini Falls area at around midnight and fell into the canal.

Three males and two females were travelling in the vehicle at the time.

All five occupants escaped without injuries, although the vehicle sustained extensive damage.

The Nallathanniya Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.