Death Toll in Elderly Home Fire Rises to 13
07-Jun-2026.
Police have confirmed that the death toll from the devastating fire at the "Senehase Gedara" elderly care home in Pattagoda, Anguruwatota, Horana, has risen to 13. Six others who sustained injuries in the incident continue to receive intensive treatment at the Horana and Kalutara hospitals.
Investigations have revealed that approximately 72 residents were staying at the facility when the fire broke out on the evening of 3 June. Ten individuals died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.
The owner of the home, who was arrested in connection with the incident, was produced before the Horana Magistrate's Court. Magistrate Lakmini Vidanage ordered that the suspect be remanded until 11 June. The Magistrate and the Government Analyst personally visited the site and conducted inspections.
Investigations have further revealed that the institution had been operating without proper registration or authorisation.
Commenting on the matter, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage stated that under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act, any institution caring for more than five elderly persons must be registered with the National Secretariat for Elders. In accordance with Act No. 9 of 2000, any individual or organisation operating a facility accommodating more than five elderly persons is legally required to obtain such registration.
A report submitted by the Millaniya Divisional Secretariat on 6 February had already alerted the National Secretariat for Elders to the poor and hazardous conditions prevailing at the home.
The report noted that although the home's maximum capacity was only 15 residents, as many as 48 elderly persons were being accommodated under severely overcrowded conditions. Two individuals reportedly shared a single bed, while others were forced to sleep on the floor. The premises were characterised by foul odours and poor sanitation, with inadequate toilet and bathing facilities. The absence of a protective fence at the rear of the property also posed a risk of mentally vulnerable residents wandering away.
As the precise cause of the fire has yet to be determined, three special police teams have been appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
