A newlywed couple, both aged 22, died after their motorcycle collided with a bus on the Kandy–Colombo main road at Wathupitiwala. The couple, residents of Yapagama, Dambulla, had been travelling to visit their parents. They were employed in a catering business in Gampaha and lived in rented accommodation near their workplace. Final rites were held yesterday (24) at the Yapagama public cemetery.

In a separate incident, a car returning to Avissawella after a visit to Sri Pada veered off the road in the Third Mile Post area on the Norton Bridge–Laxapana main road and plunged nearly 100 feet down a precipice. Three occupants sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the Laxapana Regional Hospital. Two were later transferred to the Nawalapitiya Base Hospital. Police suspect the driver may have fallen asleep. The vehicle was extensively damaged.

Elsewhere, one of the drivers injured in a head-on collision between two private buses on Moronthuduwa Road, Wadduwa, succumbed to his injuries. The crash occurred in the early hours of yesterday. No passengers were on board. Both drivers were admitted to the Panadura Base Hospital, where one was initially reported to be in critical condition. Police believe the collision may have occurred during an overtaking attempt. Traffic was disrupted in the Malegama area.

One person was killed and three others injured in an accident near a fuel station on High Level Road, Pannipitiya. Police said a bus attempting to avoid a three-wheeler entering the main road collided with a parked lorry. One of the injured is in critical condition, while two sustained minor injuries.