Eleven people have died and three others remain missing after a fire broke out at Maupiya Sevana Manasika Niwasaya, a special-needs eldercare centre in Batagoda, Anguruwatota, which gained popularity through social media.
Police said seven injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the Horana District Hospital.
Meanwhile, 51 residents who were at the centre at the time of the incident were rescued and moved to a safe location.
The fire reportedly broke out suddenly at the privately operated care facility yesterday afternoon (June 3). The centre, run by a social media personality known as “Loku Aiya”, also housed individuals with mental disabilities.
Firefighters and area residents worked together to bring the blaze under control. However, the building sustained extensive damage.
According to police, around 72 people were at the facility when the fire erupted. Ten victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries after being admitted to hospital.
Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha and MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi visited the site last night.
Police said the bodies would be removed following a magisterial inquest scheduled for this morning (June 4).
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Three police teams have been assigned to investigate the incident.
