Father Lodges Police Complaint Against Colombo Swimming Club After Son Suffers Brain Damage

By Yohan Perera 

The father of an eight-year-old boy has lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya Police, alleging negligence by a leading swimming club in Colombo after his son fell into a pool and suffered severe brain damage. 

Prasad Panagoda, the boy’s father, told the Daily Mirror yesterday that the swimming club had failed to provide crucial details about the incident. “The doctors asked for specific information — how long my son was without oxygen, and how long it took for the ambulance to arrive. However, the club has not provided any clear answers. They also do not have CCTV facilities, making it even harder to determine exactly what happened,” he said.  

“We were later informed that our son has suffered brain damage. He has been in critical condition since Sunday,” he added.  

Initially treated at a private hospital, the child was later transferred to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for further care. He is a student at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.  

The incident occurred during a birthday party at the swimming club, where the boy was invited as a guest. It was during this celebration that he reportedly fell into the pool. Meanwhile, SJB Youth Wing Vice Chairman Rehan Jayawickrama, a family acquaintance, stated that no lifeguard was present by the pool at the time of the accident. “The club informed the child’s relatives that the lifeguard also acts as an attendant and had gone to fetch towels when the incident occurred,” he said. “This should be treated as a criminal matter and the police should actively peruse this case,” Jayawickrama added.