Passenger bus skids off a cliff in Sri Lanka, killing 21 people and injuring 35

We are trying to establish whether it was a mechanical failure or if the driver fell asleep at the wheel,

a local police official told AFP by telephone

Fifteen people have died and we have sent 30 to hospital, ... who were mostly Buddhists

added the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to media

Twenty one have died and we are trying to identify the victims,

Gunasena said

The bus was leaning to the left side and as the driver was negotiating a bend, he lost control and it fell down the precipice,

said the unnamed man