The tragic incident at Nā Uyana Forest Monastery, which claimed the lives of seven monks and left several others injured, has cast a deep shadow over the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka and abroad. These monks—dedicated to a life of renunciation, meditation, and service—came from both Sri Lanka and overseas, reflecting the monastery’s global spiritual significance.
Funeral rites are still being prepared, and the community remains in mourning. Families, fellow monks, and devotees continue to gather in solemn reflection, preparing to pay final respects to those who lived with simplicity and passed away in such sudden and painful circumstances. At this moment, the foremost duty is to honor the departed with dignity and compassion, and to support the injured monks who are still receiving treatment.
According to police reports, the monks were travelling in a cable‑pulled trolley used to reach meditation cells on the mountain when the support cable suddenly snapped. The trolley derailed and crashed, killing seven monks instantly and injuring others. The system had reportedly been in use for decades, raising serious questions about maintenance, safety standards, and oversight. These concerns cannot be ignored, as they point to the possibility of preventable risks that may have endangered lives.
Once the mourning period has passed and all funeral rites have been respectfully completed, it will be essential to establish a truth‑finding commission. Such a body would investigate the exact causes of the tragedy, highlight lapses in safety and oversight, and identify any other contributing factors that may have been overlooked. It would also recommend safeguards to protect monastic communities and prevent recurrence. By initiating this process after the final rites, the commission can proceed in a spirit of calm reflection, ensuring that grief is respected while truth is pursued.
A careful, lawful inquiry is not about blame—it is about compassion, justice, and prevention. By uncovering the truth and implementing safeguards, Sri Lanka can ensure that the passing of these monks becomes a turning point toward greater protection for all who choose the path of renunciation. Such a step would also strengthen the foundations of a peaceful society, where the dignity of life is safeguarded and the public can trust that tragedies of this nature will not be repeated.
As funerals continue and the community grieves, the call for truth grows louder. Establishing a commission later, once mourning has been observed, will honor the departed, protect the living, and contribute to a more just and peaceful future. May the departed attain the bliss of Nirvāṇa. May the injured recover swiftly. May the truth be known, and may future lives be safeguarded.
“The monks of Nā Uyana, true in their meditation, chose the right path in the cycle of life. Their passing reminds us of saṃsāra’s impermanence, and the Buddha’s guidance to bear such sorrow with patience and compassion in our hearts.”
By Palitha Ariiyarathna