Seven Buddhist monks, including an Indian national, died in a tragic cable car accident on Wednesday night at the Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya monastery in northwestern Sri Lanka. The accident, which left six others injured, has shocked the local community and garnered international attention.
The incident took place approximately 125 kilometers from Colombo, at a monastery revered for its meditation retreats and attracting practitioners from various countries. The Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya has been a peaceful sanctuary, making this tragedy particularly poignant.
The victims included an Indian, a Russian, and a Romanian monk, as confirmed by local police. Authorities indicate that this incident resulted from the sudden overturn of a cable-operated rail cart, which was in operation at the time.
Of the six individuals sustaining injuries, four remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals. Emergency personnel have rushed to the scene to assist the affected and investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns associated with cable car systems in tourist and religious sites throughout the region. Efforts to enhance safety measures are essential as these venues continue to attract thousands of visitors each year.
The Sri Lankan government has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased monks. A senior official stated, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families involved. We will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.”
The local community mourns the loss of the monks, who dedicated their lives to the Buddhist teachings and contributed to the spiritual growth of their followers. Tribute services are being organized at the monastery, as fellow monks and devotees gather to pay their respects.
This tragedy not only influences the local Buddhist community but also resonates across international borders, as practitioners of Buddhism from various nations feel the pain of this loss. The monastery had continually welcomed individuals seeking spiritual growth and has now become a site of sorrow.
