Eight Buddhist monks died following a cable car accident at a monastery in northwestern Sri Lanka on September 24, 2025, making it the deadliest cable car crash in the country’s history. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time at the Na Uyana Monastery in the Kurunegala district.
Thirteen monks were traveling in a small makeshift cable car cabin designed for approximately six people when the accident occurred. The monks were heading to meditation units atop a mountain within the expansive Na Uyana monastery, which spans over 5,000 acres of forest on a mountain range.
Seven monks died instantly when their cabin plunged down the mountainside after the cable snapped. The cabin careened downhill at high speed before jumping the track and crashing into a tree. Among the initial fatalities were three foreign nationals: monks from India, Russia and Romania, along with four Sri Lankan monks.
Six additional monks were hospitalized with severe injuries, four in critical condition. One of the injured monks succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, September 29, raising the death toll to eight. Police confirmed the eighth fatality occurred late Sunday night at the hospital.
Witness Asanka Siriwardena described the devastating scene to local media, stating that monks had fallen throughout the jungle area and rescue efforts proved difficult. Siriwardena said, “The dakku was completely destroyed.” He noted that pieces of the cable car were scattered everywhere across the hillside.
Video footage from the crash site showed a snapped cable and blood pooled near the cable car’s wreckage. The tracks are situated on a steep incline, running parallel to a winding set of steps leading up the mountain.
Funeral services for five monks took place on Saturday, September 28, at a cemetery near the monastery. The ceremonies included four Sri Lankan monks and the Romanian monk. The Russian monk is scheduled to be buried alongside the Sri Lankan monk who died in the hospital. The remains of the Indian monk have been repatriated to his family in India.
The Na Uyana Monastery is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries, with origins dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The complex houses approximately 150 to 200 Buddhist monks and attracts visitors from around the world for meditation retreats and spiritual events.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed his condolences through social media, indicating he was shocked by the loss of venerable monks, including international members of the Buddhist community. Herath noted that Sri Lanka mourns with the Buddhist community worldwide and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured.
The monastery is located approximately 80 miles northeast of Colombo, the capital city. It sits in Nikaweratiya, about 125 kilometers from Colombo in the northwestern region of the island nation.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. Initial findings suggest mechanical failure of the cable system led to the catastrophic crash. The makeshift nature of the cable car and the fact that 13 people were traveling in a cabin designed for six passengers are likely factors being examined by investigators.
Local media reports have highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing issues with safety standards and regulatory oversight across various transportation projects. The country has faced criticism for preventable accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
The diplomatic missions of India, Russia and Romania have been contacted regarding their nationals’ deaths in the accident. The incident has drawn international attention due to the involvement of foreign monks who had traveled to Sri Lanka for religious purposes.
The Na Uyana Monastery continues to operate with its remaining monastic community. The facility regularly hosts meditation retreats and serves as a center for Buddhist practice and learning, drawing practitioners from across the globe to its forest setting.
