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HRCSL to probe train accidents

30 June 2013 12:20 pm - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has asked the Railway Department and the Transport Ministry to immediately submit a report regarding the unprotected railway crossings island-wide, Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa said today.

The Commissioner said the HRCSL would intervene in the matter after considering several fatal incidents that took place throughout the country, and he further said the Commission would make recommendations to the authorities after having a consultative meeting with the relevant parties.

“As we are aware since 2012 up to now, monetary allocation amounting to one billion was given to the relevant authorities in constructing unsafe railway gates. Therefore, 200 railway gates were to put up a protective barrier.

We called for a report from the General Manager of the Railways Department and the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport asking what step had been taken by them to minimise accidents at unprotected railway crossings. As state institutions, they have a liability and responsibility to minimise the incidents”, he said.  He said that there were about 750 unsafe railway gates island-wide. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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  Comments - 14

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  • Hettiarachchi Sunday, 30 June 2013 01:14 PM

    He can call for a report and that is all.

    Kumarasiri Sunday, 30 June 2013 01:34 PM

    According to SL law, the road user must bring down his vehicle to standstill and then he should proceed the level crossing cautiously. Further, Sri Lanka Railways is not necessarily to provide protection to the level crossings as land belongs to SLR and the protection must be provided by RDA or local authority as their road is crossing SLR owned land.

    None of the railways in the world has provided 100% protection to the level crossings as it is badly affect the operation of train service.

    The fatal accidents in level crossings is less than 2% with compared to road accidents.

    Who is going to be responsible for road accidents ? RDA ??, Local Authority ???? HRCLS and other concernes must think twice.

    DHA Sunday, 30 June 2013 02:09 PM

    They check only after so many got killed why didn't they check this as soon as the funding was allocated.....

    Jagath Leanage Sunday, 30 June 2013 02:27 PM

    May be just be another report.

    Grace. Sunday, 30 June 2013 02:30 PM

    Eyes are opening only after so many lives are lost.

    Kumara Sunday, 30 June 2013 03:22 PM

    Calling for a report is just an eye wash, until the heat goes away.

    Nalin fernando Sunday, 30 June 2013 04:05 PM

    In Sri lanka every thing effected by Human Rights.But every where we can see vialation of Human Rights. Eg-: Government schools request money for education,some protestors blocked the roads and do their protest, Public transport does'nt have a policy (they take more time period to end the journey) their service not matching with the price. These are only few things,in this country plenty of things you can see in our day to day life as vialation of Human Rights.But no one talks, these all jargons and mislead the people.
    What a funny decission taken by HRC.Who ever cross the railway line he must be vigilant. where ever you crossing the road you should look both ways. Those things we learned in our childhood at the school.
    HRC better take this oppurtinity to investigate major HR vialation which happens in Sri Lanka other than running behind small things.
    .

    Kiwi Monday, 01 July 2013 01:29 AM

    Didn't someone earlier solve this problem in 24hrs?????

    Siri Monday, 01 July 2013 03:41 AM

    appriciate your comment Kumarasiri.

    Karuna Monday, 01 July 2013 04:58 AM

    I like to know what human rights are affected by unprotected level crossings. Is it the right to be stupid and careless?

    V.Sathasivam Monday, 01 July 2013 06:08 AM

    Let rail way department start a Lottery ticket for Rs.20/ for a month and sell public and collect money to build the gates
    required for the whole Island. It is high time to avoid blaming each other and put into action and find the path of achieving
    goal.

    Gamini Monday, 01 July 2013 06:39 AM

    How much money being by politicians for unusefull matters and how much money being robed by them.....At-least build even law cost railway gates to protect the civilians who voted them.....thre's no use of these provincial councils if they stand only for cheating people's money....

    Eagle Eyes Monday, 01 July 2013 07:42 AM

    It is quite simple. the money will be in the pockets of people in authority.

    Minister Monday, 01 July 2013 09:55 AM

    Do they need a report from HRC to say that unprotected or "bambooless railway crossings are the reason for these deaths?


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