Trolley moving uphill breaks down

By Sajeewa Kottage

A group of seven Buddhist monks died and at least six others were seriously injured when the electrically operated trolley on rails used by the Buddhist monks of Nauyana jungle monastery in Melsiripura in Kurunegala to reach their meditation cubicles on a hillock fell off the rails when it reached the top. 

Instigations revealed that the trolley was moving uphill with a group of 13 Buddhist monks on board at about 9.30pm on Wednesday (24) after attending religious observances.  

The trolley that went out of control moved downhill at excessive speed had derailed and collapsed when a support cable operating it snapped. The deceased included three foreign Buddhist monks from Russia, Rumania, and India. 

The deceased were identified as Ven. Malwanegama Vipassri Thera (47), Ven. Navalapitiye Uttharananda, Ven. Nugegoda Vipassi Thera (37) Ven. Udawalawe Santhasumana Thera, (59) Indiyawe Dhamma Gawesi Thera. (31) Ven, Rumeniyawe Dhammaransi Thera (48) and Ven. Rusiyawe Dhammarackkitha Thera (48).

The injured in critical condition were admitted to Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. However, several of the Buddhist monks had jumped out when the trolley was gathering speed and escaped with minor injuries.   

Pansiyagama police are conducting further investigations.