A special ceremony was held in Wellawaya to honor Lance Corporal W. M. V. M. Bandara of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces for his courageous actions during the recent fatal bus accident.

Lance Corporal Bandara was the first person to enter the overturned bus to rescue injured passengers. 

The accident, which occurred on 4 September on the Ella–Wellawaya main road, tragically claimed the lives of 16 people and injured 18 others. 

The bus, carrying employees and family members from the Tangalle Municipal Council, had veered off the road and plunged approximately 500 meters down a precipice.

The honoring ceremony, organized by the United Welfare Association of Wellawaya, saw the unveiling of a memorial and the presentation of several awards to recognize Bandara's bravery and selflessness. 

Bandara himself sustained injuries during the rescue but has since been discharged from the hospital. 

The Army has also recognized his bravery by promoting him to the rank of Corporal.