Police Committee to Probe Tragic Bus Accident

COLOMBO (News 1st): The death toll from the tragic bus accident at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale has risen to 23, while 53 others were injured in the incident.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) said that a compensation of Rs. 1 million each will be granted today to the families of 19 identified victims. The funds will be provided through the President’s Fund.

Initial investigations carried out by the Sri Lanka Police, the SLTB, and the Department of Motor Traffic revealed that there were no mechanical faults in the bus involved in the accident.

Meanwhile, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya has appointed a five-member committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. 

The committee will be headed by Senior DIG of Police Ajith Rohana.

Other members of the committee include DIGs Ruwan Gunasekara and Manjula Senarath, Senior SSP Manoj Ranagala, and mechanical engineer K.K. Kaheengala.

The acting IGP has directed the committee to submit a detailed report, including findings and recommendations, on or before May 30. He has also instructed that the investigation should cover seven key areas to determine the root causes of the accident.

In addition, a ministerial committee has been appointed to inquire into the status of the injured victims. According to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasekera, the committee, comprising officials from the Kataragama and Gampola depots, will coordinate patient transport and compensation arrangements.

The deputy minister added that the post-mortem report of the bus driver involved in the accident is expected to be received today or tomorrow.