Two individuals have died after an improvised raft overturned in the Loggal Oya reservoir in Rideemaliyadda, police stated.
The deceased have been identified as a 40-year-old resident of Katugastota and a 48-year-old resident of Poojapitiya.
According to police, a group of 33 people from Kandy had visited the location last morning (28) and conducted a birthday celebration at a privately operated tourist site within the Loggal Oya reservoir reserve.
The group later set out on an unregulated raft, reportedly constructed by tying together two small boats, to reach a nearby island for bathing.
Authorities said the incident occurred while the group was returning from the island, when the raft structure gave way and capsized in the reservoir.
At the time of the accident, 11 individuals, including three children, were onboard.
Police added that two of the passengers were not wearing life jackets and subsequently went missing in the water.
A search and rescue operation was launched jointly by police and area residents, with the bodies of the two victims recovered today.
Further investigations are underway into the safety conditions and operation of the site.
