Man disappears after falling overboard while rowing in tank

A mercantile executive who was boating in the Nuwarawewa Tank on Thursday (17) night had disappeared underwater and was thought to have drowned when the outrigger canoe he was on capsized.

The victim Ajantha Thalagala (49) from Dampe in Piliyandala was a father of two and worked as the production manager of a garment factory in Mihintale.

He had been out boating in the tank with an oarsman to enjoy the sight of Ruwanweliseya, Mirisawetiya, Abhayagiriya and Chethawanaramaya Cheithiyas that had been illuminated when the accident took place. The oarsman who had been with Mr. Thalagala had managed to swim to the bank and escaped unhurt.

He told police that Mr. Thalagala had wanted to do the rowing after they arrived in the centre of the tank and that the canoe had capsized as he attempted to grab the oar from him.

A team of lifeguards of the Anuradhapura police lifeguard unit were searching for the body of the man who was thought to have drowned.