• One missing, presumed drowned

Five of the six students, who were bathing in the sea area off the Talpe beach in Habaraduwa, Galle, that were swept away by water currents on Saturday (10) have been saved. 

A group of Police officers along with the residents of the area had managed to rescue five of the six students, although the remaining student is still missing. The missing student has been identified as a 16-year-old resident of the Pothuhera area in Kurunegala.

The Police stated that a group of students, who had gone on a trip organised by a tuition class in the Kurunegala area, had suffered this unfortunate turn of events at the Talpe beach. Authorities have warned the public about the hazards of being caught in rip-tides and being swept away while bathing in the ocean, urging adults and tour organisers to limit sea bathing to areas which include lifeguards.