The elders’ care home in Anguruwathota where a fire claimed 12 lives this week had not been registered with any state institution, according to the National Secretariat for Elders.
The facility, identified as “Mawpiya Sewana Senehase Kedella”, had been operating since 2024 and was housing around 70 residents at the time of the tragedy. Officials said the residents included 62 persons with mental health conditions and eight elderly persons.
According to information provided by the National Secretariat for Elders, the institution was operating without the registration required under Sri Lanka’s laws governing residential care facilities for older persons.
Relatives of residents have also stated that families were required to pay an admission fee of Rs. 75,000 and a monthly fee of approximately Rs. 35,000 per resident for accommodation and care.
The Secretariat noted that despite accommodating nearly 70 residents, the facility was run by only a small number of staff, including the owner and a handful of caregivers.
The fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the facility in Batagoda, Anguruwathota. Authorities said around 69 residents were inside the premises at the time. While 51 people were rescued by firefighters, Police officers, disaster response personnel and residents, 12 people lost their lives in the incident.
Following the tragedy, the National Secretariat for Elders informed Police to conduct a formal investigation into the operation of the institution and take appropriate legal action.
Meanwhile, investigators have identified the area where the fire is believed to have originated. Preliminary observations suggest the fire may have started due to an electrical leak involving a water pump and a multi-plug connection in the building.
Officials noted that around 80 mattresses had reportedly been stored nearby, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. However, authorities stressed that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively determined, and investigations by Police, the Government Analyst and other relevant agencies are continuing. (Newswire)
