Bentota residents ring alarm bells over selfie craze on railtrack
“No photograph is worth the risk to you or the consequences to your family,” says Chamath Suranimala, from Bentota, echoing the sentiments of other area residents who point to the craze of taking selfies on the track near the Bentota railway station.
Ajith Samaraweera, engaged in the tourism sector said, whether on the railway track or by the sea, people focus on taking the perfect picture. "This makes them oblivious to what goes on around them and the outcome can be fatal."
Residents say although a flyover has been built at this spot, many who visit this popular seaside destination are bent on taking selfies on the railway track.
They also pointed out that a safety mesh about 100 metres away from the station is poorly maintained giving easy access to people to take selfies on the track.