The 8-year-old boy who was critically injured in an incident at the Colombo Swimming Club last week has died, hospital sources confirmed today.
The child, identified as Master Arlan, had been receiving treatment at Nawaloka Hospital after falling into a pool during a private birthday event held at the club.
He had been on life support for several days after sustaining severe brain damage. His father, Prasad Panagoda, later lodged a complaint with Police, alleging negligence by the club and its staff.
According to the father’s complaint, the lifeguard was not at the pool when the child fell in. Officers from the Kollupitiya Police Station have since launched a full investigation.
The Colombo Swimming Club, in a statement to its members, said a lifeguard had rescued the child and provided emergency care until hospital transport arrived, assisted by a doctor who was among the guests. The club added that it was cooperating fully with Police investigations.
The incident drew public attention after SJB member Rehan Jayawickrama took to social media, alleging negligence and calling for criminal accountability.
“An 8-year-old boy from S. Thomas’ College fell into the pool at the Colombo Swimming Club. The lifeguard was not near the pool at the time and later claimed he had gone to fetch towels. Young Arlan is now battling for his life at Nawaloka Hospital,” Jayawickrama said in his statement, posted shortly after the incident.
He further claimed that the child’s parents’ business had suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic and questioned whether there had been attempts to suppress the incident due to their limited influence.
“It raises the question: is that why there seems to have been a hush operation? Keeping things quiet because the parents cannot push back? To make matters worse, the club has not even had the basic decency to call the parents and ask if they require assistance,” he wrote.
Jayawickrama also urged the Police to treat the case as a criminal offence. (Newswire)