Sri Lanka Nursing Home Fire Survivors Relocated After Deadly Blaze Kills Dozens

Survivors of a devastating fire that tore through a nursing home in western Sri Lanka have been relocated to a nearby care facility as authorities continue investigating the tragedy that claimed more than a dozen lives and exposed concerns about the treatment of vulnerable residents.

The fire broke out late Wednesday at a nursing home in Anguruwatota, a town about 55 kilometers southeast of the capital, Colombo. Authorities said at least 12 residents were killed and several others injured in the blaze, while dozens were rescued by neighbors, firefighters, police officers, and soldiers.

According to Sri Lankan police, 71 people were staying at the facility when the fire erupted. Fifty-one residents were rescued, while survivors were later transported to safer accommodation. Some of those injured remained hospitalized as medical teams continued treatment.

The Associated Press published a series of photographs showing survivors arriving at their new temporary home, assisted by officials and caregivers in the aftermath of the disaster. The images also documented the emotional toll of the tragedy on residents, families, and staff members.

Investigators are examining the cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting it may have started from an electrical fault. The facility’s director has been arrested on suspicion of negligence-related deaths and remains under investigation.

The tragedy has sparked public outrage after reports emerged that the nursing home was operating without official registration and was severely overcrowded. Government officials said the facility housed far more residents than its capacity allowed and had previously been warned to comply with legal and safety requirements.

Additional controversy followed claims that some residents receiving psychiatric treatment had been restrained, with a worker revealing that at least two patients had been chained to prevent them from wandering away. One of those patients was among the victims who died in the fire, further intensifying scrutiny of conditions at the home.

As survivors begin rebuilding their lives in a new environment, authorities face mounting pressure to strengthen oversight of care facilities and ensure that similar tragedies do not occur again. The incident has renewed debate about standards of care, mental health services, and protections for elderly and vulnerable people across Sri Lanka.