Srilanka, June 29 -- Two individuals have died after an improvised raft overturned in the Loggal Oya reservoir in Rideemaliyadda, police stated.

The deceased have been identified as a 40-year-old resident of Katugastota and a 48-year-old resident of Poojapitiya.

According to police, a group of 33 people from Kandy had visited the location last morning (28) and conducted a birthday celebration at a privately operated tourist site within the Loggal Oya reservoir reserve.

The group later set out on an unregulated raft, reportedly constructed by tying together two small boats, to reach a nearby island for bathing.

Authorities said the incident occurred while the group was returning from the island, when the raft structure gave way and c...