The 8-year-old boy who was critically injured in an incident at the Colombo Swimming Club last week has passed away today.

The child, identified as Master Arlan, had been receiving intensive treatment at Nawaloka Hospital after falling into a swimming pool during a private birthday event held at the club. He had been on life support for several days due to severe brain damage sustained in the incident.

Following the tragedy, the boy’s father, Prasad Panagoda, lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya Police, alleging negligence on the part of the club and its staff. According to his statement, no lifeguard was present at the pool when the child fell in.

Police have since launched a full investigation, and statements have been recorded from the club’s management and event organizers.

In a statement issued to its members, the Colombo Swimming Club said that a lifeguard had rescued the child and provided emergency care with the assistance of a doctor who was among the guests, until the arrival of hospital transport. The club also stated that it was cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The incident drew widespread public attention after SJB Member of Parliament Rehan Jayawickrama took to social media, alleging negligence and calling for criminal accountability.

“An 8-year-old boy from S. Thomas’ College fell into the pool at the Colombo Swimming Club. The lifeguard was not near the pool at the time and later claimed he had gone to fetch towels. Young Arlan is now battling for his life at Nawaloka Hospital,” Jayawickrama wrote shortly after the incident.

He also questioned whether there had been attempts to suppress the incident due to the family’s lack of influence, noting that their business had suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jayawickrama further criticized the club for failing to contact the grieving parents and urged the Police to treat the case as a criminal matter.

Police said that further legal action will be determined following the completion of the investigation and the post-mortem examination.