A special committee headed by Senior DIG Ajith Rohana has been appointed to investigate the horrific Kotmale-Gerandiya bus accident, which attracted international attention.
According to the police, the committee was formed on the instructions of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya and includes four other senior police officers.
The police stated that the committee will investigate several key aspects surrounding the accident and submit proposals on measures the Sri Lanka Police can take to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This newly appointed committee is in addition to the extensive investigation already being conducted by another special team.
Meanwhile, Nuwara Eliya Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector Jaliya Bandara has conducted a preliminary on-site inspection at the scene. According to his findings, there were no signs that the bus applied its brakes before the accident. It has also not been confirmed that the accident was caused by a broken steering column or any other technical fault.
Inspector Bandara stated that the bus is suspected to have been overloaded, and the driver may have fallen asleep due to excessive fatigue. Reports indicate that more than 75 passengers were onboard at the time of the accident.
Kataragama Depot Superintendent S.A.D. Thusitha Chaminda said the SLTB bus driver involved in the accident had nearly 15 years of experience.
“This bus travels from Kataragama to Kurunegala, passing through Wellawaya, Beragala, Haputale, Bandarawela, Welimada, Nuwara Eliya, Gampola, and Kandy. The entire route takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes,” he stated.
“The driver has been working for 15 years and has been operating on the Kataragama–Kurunegala route for the past four years,” he added.
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