By Nayanajeewa Bandara and Sumanasiri Gunatilleka   

State Minister of Agriculture Sashindra Rajapaksa and three others had a narrow escape on their way back from Medagama attending several ceremonies on Sunday evening (21) when their jeep was drifted away by the surging waters over a causeway in Obbegoda area and fell into Mandapanguwaoya river. However, the Minister and others on board the jeep escaped unhurt.   

Residents of the area said the causeway had been submerged due to heavy rain in the area and that the jeep was drifted away when passing it. Police with the residents of the area, retrieved the jeep from the river.