Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Speeding bus kills traffic policeman at Galle Face

6 August 2015 04:41 pm - 60     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

In a shocking accident, a constable who was on traffic duty on Galle Road near the Galle Face Green was run over by a speeding private bus this evening and fatally injured.

The 42-year-old constable was standing on the seaside lane of Galle Road opposite the partly built Shangri-la Hotel when the accident occurred at around 6.30pm.

A route 100 Pettah bound private bus coming from Moratuwa, at high speed had run over the constable whilst it was trying to overtake another vehicle on the wrong side.

The bus had tried to pass a vehicle on the left hand side and struck the policeman standing on the road close to the kerb of the pavement demarcating Galle Face Green.

Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said the constable was rushed to the National Hospital, Colombo in a critical condition and succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

The bus had reportedly run over one of the constable's legs and his chest causing severe injuries.

The driver and the conductor of the bus were taken into custody.

The deceased constable was Porage Don Lasantha Kumara (62494), a resident of Habaraduwa and father of two children. His body is lying at the hospital morgue. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 60

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • clueless Friday, 07 August 2015 04:13 PM

    May he attain Nibbana / rest in peace. Please look after his children. Couple of points. Our roads are a disaster, only a few follow the rules. Police should allocate all possible resources to impose law and order constantly in the roads. Heavy fines and suspension of license should be minimum penalties.Also are our cops provided proper luminous clothing and protection when they are on traffic duty?

    Rg Friday, 07 August 2015 10:47 AM

    Bus association must rally round to support his immediate family and further take stern action for both the driver, conductor and passengers for supporting the driver for his speedy action. Minister in charge and IGP and police must come forward to meet the welfare of his immediate family and must honor him with a promotion for the services rendered to the public

    Dias Friday, 07 August 2015 11:02 AM

    Kohaida yannai, Mallai Pol (Where are you going....coconuts in the basket).

    lara Friday, 07 August 2015 11:06 AM

    this is big time joke. even private bus drivers know he can easily escape. private bus dirvers need mental treatment as I was narrowly escape when i was in sri Lanka. also shows government is very week

    Harsha Friday, 07 August 2015 11:11 AM

    Human life for ten rupees

    Reality Friday, 07 August 2015 11:15 AM

    Only for one, after that to the forget list.

    frustrated Friday, 07 August 2015 11:23 AM

    atleast now cant the politicians n police do sumthing above traffic laws. i propose that even the insurance claim system too has to be changed back via DM Android App

    JJ Friday, 07 August 2015 11:22 AM

    The traffic laws should not be relegated to paper only. Hope at least this incident will get the traffic police moving quickly to ensure lane discipline, single line traffic (especially at traffic lights and roundabouts), clamping on overtaking for the sake of overtaking, drivers respect pavements so that pedestrians can use them safely, ensuring right of way etc. While imparting my heartfelt sympathies to the family of the policeman who lost his life, I hope the traffic police will create a solid foundation by way of a scientific plan to enforce the law...even at this later date.

    Jens Friday, 07 August 2015 11:46 AM

    The police is also guilty, because they close both eyes when bus drivers are speeding. This happens: I was going on the A2 with a speed of 70 km/h direction Col near Ambolangoda. There was a double line in the middle of the road and contraflow.In spite of this suddenly a private bus overtook me with high speed. I followed the bus to check the speed. 90 km/h. And I was surprised: beside the busdriver was a police man. He accepted the driving style.

    Cricketer Friday, 07 August 2015 03:05 PM

    Please punish the Bus driver and banned his licence. he is not suppose to do driving for the rest of his life. Also can be a a proper driving test when getting the license please. our roads are full of un professional drivers who are driving for the bread and butter. the current perception is if you do not get any jobs then drive a trishaw or a van or a lorry or a bus. But sadly these are very responsible jobs in developed country. Driving must not be treated as a supplementary job. Its the most important and skill full and professional job. please let us have a good sustainable strategy on this please

    Hareendra Friday, 07 August 2015 03:50 PM

    These bus fellows are killing innocent people every day…. bad and negligence driving. should do something to stop this.

    nanda Friday, 07 August 2015 03:58 PM

    We still do not pay enough attention to the road safety. Politicians talk about many benefits to the people but no talk about how to save the life from road killers. This does not need that much money like mega projects. Need only the vision, direction and commitment. Any leader who promised to reduce the road deaths by 75% at the end of the 5 year term will receive my vote.

    Thirana Friday, 07 August 2015 04:00 PM

    Who can stop a police man by foot or foot bike a bus? It is a task of higher police man with car or motor bike!

    Thirana Friday, 07 August 2015 04:03 PM

    Bus passangers like to go fast from A to B. Why they do not leave the crazy busses?

    Bandula Vedage Friday, 07 August 2015 04:10 PM

    It is sad to hear a death of a police officer on duty due to the criminal reckless driving by bus drivers. I came to Sri Lanka for a holiday after about 10 years. I was really scared to get in to the road. The roads are narrow and these idiots try to overtake without considering others safety. The government should make laws and should not allow vehicles to speed in places like schools, towns etc. Here in Sweden, the speed limit near schools are 30km/hour.

    TONY Friday, 07 August 2015 10:47 AM

    NOT THAT THERE IS NO LAW BUT THEY ARE NOT STRICTLY IMPLEMENTED

    booruwa Friday, 07 August 2015 04:37 PM

    Rebecca what a stupid comment not everything needs a political comment. RIP via DM iOS App

    Daily Mirrow Friday, 07 August 2015 05:12 PM

    Was in Australia for a short period just returned a week ago what wonderful driving by bus drivers they follow ..road rules 100 per centwhat country via DM Android App

    S.P.RAMKUMAR Friday, 07 August 2015 05:23 PM

    IT IS VERY SAD, NORMALLY TRAFFIC POLICEMAN ON THE ROAD MUST PUT SOME KIND OF COVERING SIGN BOARD IN FRONT OF THEM AT LEAST HORNS, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHEN THEY OVERTAKE.HOWEVER DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

    Kugadasan Friday, 07 August 2015 05:37 PM

    very sad news but every day we see police neglecting recless driving buy Private busses

    Sorinis Friday, 07 August 2015 06:04 PM

    Bus drivers,be it state owned or private,are all in the same boat.No ethics,no road sense,a law onto themselves chewing betel and driving at, break neck speed without a care for other road users and pedestrians.There must be a stringent law for these lawless reckless murders.Their driving license must be cancelled for life and made to pay heavily to the dead parties kin.

    Dharsh Friday, 07 August 2015 06:26 PM

    private bus drivers always speed up intimidating drivers of other vehicles on galle road and duplication road.hope authorities will take stern actions to correct such dangerous driving habits via DM Android App

    Love Ranil Friday, 07 August 2015 06:56 PM

    Where is your yahapalana?PM should have looked into this issue.Go Mahinda! Nothing like this will ever happen under his rule.

    impactsrilanka Friday, 07 August 2015 06:59 PM

    The bus drivers and conductors are mentally over stressed and at times under the influence of drugs. There should be very strong penalties for over taking on the left side. The fines imposed on speeding and violating of traffic rules are not adequate to deter these people from traffic offenses. Also it is important to check the mental state of drivers and conductors before renewing their license to the jobs every year. They should be checked by a professional psychological team and cleared before they take to roads.My deepest sympathies with the departed soul and his family. May God give the family the strength to bear this loss.

    Lenny Friday, 07 August 2015 07:36 PM

    I would safely say that 60% of our motorist do not follow the rules, firstly our police have to be trained properly, and the law needs to be applied to all and sundry without fear or favour, no exceptions.

    road runner Friday, 07 August 2015 09:49 PM

    Most of the traffic PCs want jarawa not the regular traffic. That is why they always find fault on poor motor bike riders. If traffic police do their duty this type of accidents could be avoided.

    road runner Friday, 07 August 2015 09:51 PM

    You are 10000% correct.

    Fj Friday, 07 August 2015 10:04 PM

    What has UNP got to do with this incident.

    ponnaiah Saturday, 08 August 2015 12:23 AM

    It is all responsible who introduced the private bus system to the country.

    maadhan Saturday, 08 August 2015 12:46 AM

    Imagine what will be the plight of ordinery passangers and pedestrians ? At least now will any srilankan politician think to implement peoples friendly transport system to the country ? Complete railway network is the solution and allow only regional buses to connect the respective railway stations. Railway or CTB can operate regional busses.

    Waco Friday, 07 August 2015 03:32 AM

    This amounts to man slauter, hence capital punishment.

    Saliya Thursday, 06 August 2015 11:16 PM

    I hope at least now the other police constables will use their "Dhada Kola" on Private Busses that do NOT know Road Rule before they are also Run Over.If Not I look forward for many more until they Realise their Duties.R.I.P and hope Justice is brought upon the innocent children and the public and banning the License for Life.

    Fj Thursday, 06 August 2015 11:48 PM

    At least police will open their eyes now and take strict action in the future against these reckless bus drivers. Does this bus belong to any police officers?

    Dan Thursday, 06 August 2015 11:52 PM

    Police never stops speeding and reckless private buses..hope at least this incident will open their eyes....

    Aku Friday, 07 August 2015 12:04 AM

    Aha... now the police-eyes open cos a police got hit... Hey Police, you know these buses break the Law ALL the time, but you police always stop only motorbikes and trishaws...

    Jonston Friday, 07 August 2015 12:13 AM

    This is very sad!

    Sukiri Friday, 07 August 2015 12:36 AM

    Rip to the constable and his family. Hope the driver rots in hell

    Mm Friday, 07 August 2015 12:42 AM

    Now atleast have stern action against speeding and road rule brakers. Who is responsible for A.hole bus drivers? Someone please do something for this bus driver menace!

    karthi Friday, 07 August 2015 12:58 AM

    This should open the Traffic Police to take stern action against this most common speeding private buses in the city.

    Marie Friday, 07 August 2015 12:59 AM

    RIP. Traffic Police at least now take some action against errant bus drivers.

    Gaz Friday, 07 August 2015 01:06 AM

    i know this cop for a long time, a wonderful person, never fail to smile, "Ithing sir" his famous line, we will not hear those words again....only cop who stops me without any reason just to say "Hello sir"...a good cop, better human being .....Rest In Peace Lasantha.

    Mevan Friday, 07 August 2015 01:46 AM

    Tragic but this should be an eye opener to all to use speed guns to check speeding drivers within city limits. Further the punishments too should be harsher.

    rebecca Friday, 07 August 2015 01:52 AM

    This is what the country has come down to. No law and order. A bunch of toiyyas. disgusting. you have lost all your patriotism, your honour, your dignity. You have all become slaves. You have forgotten the blood sweat and toil of 30 years. That poor innocent policeman. He was doing his duty. And the UNP supported private bus just ran him over. Sign of things to come.

    Ragu Friday, 07 August 2015 02:59 AM

    RIP ! Hope the god gives the strength to his wife tolook after the children.

    Suny J fm Melbourne Friday, 07 August 2015 03:29 AM

    When you have a blind eye on the traffic offenders and not enforcing the traffic laws properly these type of things always happen!! I was wondering whether Private bus drivers got an immunity over the others the way they drived the buses in SL roads ...anyway may he attain Nibbana

    Meril Thursday, 06 August 2015 10:35 PM

    RIP.

    Waco Friday, 07 August 2015 03:38 AM

    Bus Drivers, Three-Wheejers and Van Drivers do not comply with traffic rulers. Police also turn a blind eye.

    DJ Friday, 07 August 2015 04:08 AM

    This is why cops should not ignore buses as they are the worst drivers On the road

    C.K.Lankaputhra Friday, 07 August 2015 05:11 AM

    EVERY MANY PEOPLE DIE OF ACCIDENT. WHAT IS WRONG SO MUCH..

    Mawella Friday, 07 August 2015 06:43 AM

    Its sad, an on duty Policeman been killed due to extreme and reckless driving of a ruthless driver.But Police is responsible allowing to over take vehices in the left or wrong side, ignoring most of the offences. Now it has become a practice or rather precedence to overtake from left. I have personally witnessed, at Maharagama and Nugegoda Traffic Cops keeps blind eye to offenders, turning from left side, for reasons known to them. We know, Traffic Police is one of the most corrupted law enforcement agency in Sri Lanka, so this incident is an evidence of such evil practices.

    Chris Friday, 07 August 2015 06:46 AM

    Police turn a blind eye when the buses break all traffic rules. Now open your eyes! so many innocents die and no pro active action so far.

    Mr Bombastic Friday, 07 August 2015 09:40 AM

    Are you off your head?

    charith seneviratne Friday, 07 August 2015 09:42 AM

    Some buses are owned by police officers and they get away after a phone call.

    Premalal Friday, 07 August 2015 10:22 AM

    At least now Mr I.G.P. The money is not worth it.

    Premalal Friday, 07 August 2015 10:25 AM

    Do they allow IDH inmates to use the Internet. ?

    Premalal Friday, 07 August 2015 10:27 AM

    Well said. Money at the cost of lives is a terrible exchange.

    Gobba Friday, 07 August 2015 10:37 AM

    The point is that a lot of these buses are OWNED by top policemen, hence all buses get away from anything involving traffic rules and regulations.

    Mason Friday, 07 August 2015 10:39 AM

    I offer condolence to the family of the Police Officer. Do wish to state at the same time for the Police to strictly enforce traffic rules without expecting gratification.

    TONY Friday, 07 August 2015 10:45 AM

    VERY RECENTLY AUSTRALIAN CRICKETER FAULKNER WAS BANNED FOR 2 YEARS FROM DRIVING FOR AN OFFENSE. THIS SORT OF PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN SRI LANKA TO REDUCE RECKLESS DRIVING

    Mark Friday, 07 August 2015 10:45 AM

    Nothing has changed in SL, still a reckless society


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H

MIRROR CRICKET

More