Teenager dies after fall from greased pole during New Year festival preparations

• The victim had recently completed the G.C.E. O/L examination and was awaiting his results at the time of the accident

By D. G. Sugathapala

A 16-year-old schoolboy has tragically died after falling from a greased pole during preparations for Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in the Elpitiya area yesterday, police said. The incident occurred at a playground near the Siriwijayaramaya Temple in Amugoda, Pitigala, where villagers were organizing traditional New Year games, including the climbing of the “Lissana Gaha” — a tall, greased pole. 

According to Pitigala Police, the teenager fell from a height of approximately 40 feet while helping to set up the pole. He was rushed to the Elpitiya Base Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission.  

He had recently completed the 2024 (2025) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination and was awaiting his results at the time of the accident.  

A post-mortem is scheduled to be carried out at the Elpitiya Base Hospital. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.