• Mainly falls from trees resulting spinal cord injuries/head injuries 

The health authorities cautioned that accidents during the rambutan season (June–July) have reached a concerning level this year and are higher than last year (2024).

This was discussed during a press briefing held yesterday (23) by the Health Ministry’s Health Promotion Bureau, where it was highlighted that falling from rambutan trees is the most common type of accident, while cases of electrocution caused by electric lights and sound equipment installed on trees to repel animals have also been reported.

Specialist surgeon Dr. Viraj Rohana Abeykoon attached to the Colombo National Hospital’s Accident Ward expressed concerns that although necessary treatments are provided to accident victims, in some cases, the severity of these injuries makes it difficult to save lives or prevent permanent or long-term complications. Pointing to spinal cord and head injuries in cases of falls, he stressed the importance of prevention.

With regard to electrocution cases, Dr. Abeykoon added that such incidents can cause severe burns and, in some cases, cardiac arrest. 

“To prevent this, be extremely careful when using electrical equipment on rambutan trees or adopt alternative methods as this is an extremely dangerous situation. People should be educated to switch off electricity before climbing rambutan trees with electrical devices,” he advised.