At least 13 people have died after a fire broke out at an unregistered nursing home in Galpatha, located about 55 kilometres southeast of Colombo in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, triggering widespread outrage over alleged neglect and unsafe living conditions at the facility. The incident occurred late Wednesday, with rescue operations continuing into the following days as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

A staff member at the facility, Danuja Chathuranga, said that at least one of the residents who died was allegedly chained, while another who was not restrained was successfully rescued. He claimed that some residents, who were receiving psychiatric care, had been restrained due to fears they might wander off and get injured. His comments have intensified public scrutiny over the treatment of vulnerable residents at the home.

According to eyewitness accounts and officials, the fire rapidly spread through the building after reportedly originating from an electrical short circuit linked to wiring connected to a water pump. The blaze engulfed mattresses and furniture, leaving little time for evacuation. Police said that of the 71 residents present at the time, 50 were rescued by neighbours, firefighters and emergency responders, while several others were injured and hospitalised.

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Government officials confirmed that the nursing home, along with two other facilities operated by the same management, was unregistered, though it had previously interacted with state institutions. Authorities also stated that the centre was significantly overcrowded, with infrastructure meant for around 15 residents housing nearly five times that number. Investigations are underway into regulatory lapses and operational conditions at the facility.

The facility’s administration, led by Amala Rajapaksa, said that residents had been referred from state hospitals, courts and police, and that medical professionals regularly visited the home. She also stated that funding had been inconsistent and largely dependent on donations and contributions from families of residents. Meanwhile, the facility’s director, Isuru Anushka Perera, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by negligence and has been remanded for further investigation.

The tragedy has sparked renewed debate in Sri Lanka over the regulation of private care homes for individuals with mental health conditions and elderly residents. Officials from the National Secretariat for Elders confirmed that the facility had previously been warned about compliance issues. As authorities continue investigations, families of victims are awaiting autopsy results to claim the remains of their loved ones, while questions remain over accountability and systemic oversight failures.

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