Due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Ditva, a landslide has occurred at the Ihalagama cemetery located along the Gampola–Dunukeulla main road. As a result, several buried bodies along with their coffins were washed onto the road. Villagers allege that despite nearly a month passing since the incident, the relevant authorities have failed to take action to remove the coffins.
The landslide occurred on the 27th, during the disaster triggered by the cyclone. Residents state that although they have continuously informed the authorities for almost a month, no proper attention has been given to the situation, leaving the community in fear and distress.
They further claim that road access in the Dunukeulla area has been blocked due to the landslide, trapping nearly 2,000 families within the village.
Jayanthi Kumari, a resident of the area, expressed her concerns as follows:
“Four coffins that were buried in the cemetery have surfaced due to the landslide and have come onto the road. It has been almost a month. We informed the Udapalatha Divisional Secretary, but nothing has been done. We are helpless now. The decomposed remains mixed with mud could spread dangerous diseases.
