Seven Buddhist monks, including an Indian national, lost their lives in a tragic cable cart accident at a forest monastery in northwestern Sri Lanka on Wednesday night. The incident also injured six other monks, with four reported in critical condition, according to local police.
The tragic event unfolded at the Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya, a prominent Buddhist monastery located in Nikaweratiya, approximately 125 km from Colombo. The monastery, renowned for its peaceful meditation retreats, attracts spiritual practitioners from various countries.
Among the deceased, police confirmed the nationalities included an Indian, a Russian, and a Romanian monk. The loss of lives in this unforeseen accident has sent shockwaves throughout the Buddhist community both locally and internationally.
Eyewitness accounts describe the cable cart, which was transporting the monks, as suddenly overturning, causing chaos and panic among the attendees at the monastery. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the cable cart’s malfunction. Sri Lankan officials view this incident as a blow to their rich cultural fabric and the peaceful spirit of Buddhism.
The condition of the injured monks remains critical, and medical teams have mobilized to provide necessary care. Local government officials expressed their condolences, emphasizing their commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly and offering support to the victims’ families.
This tragic occurrence highlights potential safety concerns surrounding cable-operated transportation systems in remote areas. Transport safety regulations may need revisiting to ensure such accidents do not occur in the future.
On a more personal scale, the community has come together to mourn the loss of their brethren. Vigils and prayer sessions are planned at the monastery to honor the deceased monks and to pray for the recovery of the injured. Families of the monks killed in the accident are grappling with the sudden loss.
As this incident continues to unfold, it raises serious questions regarding the safety measures in place at such serene locations, which should provide a sanctuary for meditation and reflection, rather than a site for tragedy.
