Government to Provide Compensation for Victims of Kotmale Bus Tragedy

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The government has announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the bus accident in Garandi Ella, Kotmale, along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road.

Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena stated that the Presidential Secretariat will provide Rs. 1 million to each family of the deceased.

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his condolences to the families of the victims. 

The President's Media Division said the President has instructed authorities to ensure that all necessary medical treatment is provided to the injured.

The death toll from the early morning accident has risen to 22, including the bus driver. Among the deceased are five women.

Police reported that more than 50 people were injured in the crash, which involved a SLTB bus traveling from Kurunegala to Kataragama.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Kotmale Regional Hospital stated that 59 injured persons were initially admitted. Of them, 22 were transferred to other hospitals for advanced treatment.

Currently, 29 patients are receiving treatment at Gampola Hospital, 14 at Nuwara Eliya Hospital, four at Nawalapitiya Hospital, and two at Peradeniya Hospital.