The death toll from a drowning incident in the Deduru Oya in the Kobeygane area of Nikaweratiya has risen to six, after the bodies of four more individuals were recovered, police said.

According to authorities, search operations are ongoing to locate two others who remain missing.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of 16 April when a group of 15 individuals had gone to bathe in the river. Ten of them were reportedly caught in strong currents and swept away.

On the day of the incident, two individuals were admitted to hospital, while the bodies of two victims were recovered.

Police said rescue and recovery efforts are continuing in the area.