A Party, a Pool, and a Parent’s Worst Nightmare

Colombo, October 1 – What began as a joyous birthday celebration at the Colombo Swimming Club turned into every parent’s nightmare, when eight-year-old student of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, fell into the club’s pool and sustained severe brain damage.

The boy, whose family identifies him as the only son of businessman Prasad Panagoda, remains in critical condition. His father has since lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya Police, alleging negligence on the part of the club.

“The doctors asked us how long it took to provide oxygen and when the ambulance arrived. The club officials gave us no proper answers. There were no CCTV facilities. My son is now fighting for his life,” Mr. Panagoda told.

Questions Without Answers

The absence of CCTV footage and clear timelines has fueled anger and suspicion. Parents of other children who attended the party described chaotic scenes, with staff and guests scrambling after the boy was pulled out. Some allege that it took several minutes before trained medical help was summoned.

Adding his voice, Opposition MP Rehan Jayawickreme demanded that authorities pursue the matter as a criminal offence, insisting that negligence in child safety should never be brushed aside.

A Preventable Tragedy?

Child safety experts say incidents like these are not freak accidents but preventable tragedies. According to WHO data, drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths among children worldwide, with most cases linked to lapses in supervision and inadequate emergency response.

What should have happened?

Immediate removal from the water.

Rescue breaths and CPR given within seconds.

Trained lifeguards and emergency oxygen on hand.

Ambulance on call for large gatherings involving children.

“Brain damage can occur within 4–6 minutes without oxygen. In swimming clubs and schools, the first aid response must be instant — not after a debate about what to do,” said a senior pediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Calls for Accountability

Parents are now questioning not just the Colombo Swimming Club, but the broader culture of complacency around safety at Sri Lankan recreational venues. Many clubs lack mandatory lifeguard training, oxygen supplies, or CCTV monitoring — basic safeguards in other countries.

Civil society groups are urging the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Health to mandate lifeguards, emergency equipment, and first aid certification for all clubs and hotels that host children’s events.

A Father’s Plea

For Mr. Panagoda, however, the focus remains heartbreakingly personal.

“My son went to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Now he is in a hospital bed, unable to respond. We just want answers — and justice,” he said.

As the investigation unfolds, the tragedy has become more than a private family’s grief. It has become a stark reminder that child safety in Sri Lanka’s public and private spaces cannot be left to chance.