Three women observing ‘sil’ on Poya Day were tragically killed after being hit by a car in Doluwa, Gampola today (6).

Police suspect that reckless driving led to the fatal accident.

According to police, four elderly women who had been observing sil at the Sri Bimbarama Temple in Doluwa were walking to a nearby washroom around 1.30 p.m. after completing their almsgiving when the accident occurred.

A car approaching from behind reportedly struck all four women before colliding with a lorry parked nearby. The victims were caught between the two vehicles and sustained severe injuries.

Police confirmed that three of the women died on the spot, while the fourth was admitted to the Kandy National Hospital with serious injuries.

The deceased have been identified as 70-year-old Podimanike Ramananayake, 67-year-old Malini Wijesuriya, both from Doluwa, and Anulawathi Pallegedara, from Gurukale, Gampola.

The vehicle was being driven by a 36-year-old driver who holds a learner’s driving licence. Police said she had arrived in Gampola with her husband and two children, and that the husband had been driving earlier. However, he had reportedly allowed his wife to take the wheel shortly before the incident.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while passing the temple, causing the car to surge forward and hit the women.

Following the accident, the lorry moved a short distance before stopping, while the car came to rest after crashing into a roadside embankment.

The driver was arrested after being hospitalised, and police said further investigations are underway.