The student, identified as Luna Tugat, a resident of Amsterdam, is currently in Sri Lanka as part of a university research program. She is reportedly attached to the University of Ruhuna for her studies along with a group of fellow students.
According to police reports, Luna and her friends had arrived in Hatton on April 5 for academic research purposes. They were staying at the office of a non-governmental organization (NGO) on Ponnagar Street, which offers a direct view of the Singimale mountain range.
On Monday morning, Luna set out alone to climb the mountain to enjoy the scenic views. However, after reaching the summit, she became disoriented and was unable to find the trail back down through the dense forest.
Realizing she was lost, she managed to contact the officials at the NGO in Hatton, who immediately alerted the local authorities.
Acting on the instructions of Hatton Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pradeep Weerasekara and Headquarters Chief Inspector W.R.A.D. Sugathadasa, a specialized team led by the OIC of the Crimes Division launched a search operation.
Despite the difficult terrain, the officers trekked through the reserve and located the young woman sitting on a rock at the mountain peak.
Officers provided her with food and water within the forest before escorting her safely back to the Hatton Police Station.
After being brought to the station, Luna expressed her deep gratitude to the Hatton Police for their swift action and hard work in ensuring her safety. She later reunited with her friends and returned to their lodging.
