Committee recommends legal action against RDA over fatal Garandiella bus crash

12 June 2025 09:30 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - The committee appointed to investigate into the fatal road accident in the Garandiella area has recommended filing legal action against the Road Development Authority (RDA) over the incident, which claimed the lives of 22 people and left many others injured.

Committee Chairman, Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, handed over the final report to Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala yesterday.

According to the report, the accident site lacked essential safety infrastructure, including iron guardrails, concrete support pillars, street lighting, speed bumps and directional signs.

Senior DIG Rohana further revealed that the bus involved in the crash did not have the required authorisation from the National Transport Commission to operate on the long-distance route, which spanned approximately 13 hours. As a result, the committee has recommended legal action against both the National Transport Commission and the Kataragama Depot authority, the registered owner of the bus.

Investigations revealed that weather conditions were clear at the time of the incident, with no mist, rain or slippery roads, and no oncoming traffic.

Expert assessments, including that of the Government Analyst, found no mechanical defects or prior accidents involving the vehicle.

Post-mortem examinations ruled out any medical emergencies such as a heart attack, and toxicology reports confirmed the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“It is likely that the driver fell asleep due to fatigue,” Rohana said.

In response to the findings, Police Headquarters has ordered disciplinary action against all Police OICs and Traffic OICs who fail to identify and mitigate accident-prone locations in their respective jurisdictions. The Acting Inspector General of Police has already issued relevant instructions.

Senior DIG Rohana said that it is the responsibility of officers in all 607 police divisions to coordinate with the RDA and local authorities to ensure road safety.

He warned that further disciplinary action will be taken against officers in areas where similar incidents recur.

Addressing the media, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya said that there are currently 779 highly dangerous locations along the country’s road network. Recommendations have already been submitted to the RDA to address these hazards.

Comments - 10

Yohan Thursday, 12 June 2025 09:34 AM

Good decision. Recently instead of looking into way to make roads safer the RDA is just drawing double line and single lines and adding yellow crossings every 50 to 100 meters around junctions and major roads working behind for police to write fines. They have neglected their duties in providing safety first. in most places.

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mnsmart Thursday, 12 June 2025 11:12 AM

Most of the Road lines are not done properly or scientifically, but just drawings without any proper planning.

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senakab Thursday, 12 June 2025 11:18 AM

finally a proper report and proper decision that no one can escape, all relevant parties are responsible, is this the first committee that came up with a fruitful finding and solution in so many years and no interuptions?? now is whether the said can be implemented properly without pointing fingers at different departments

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Rip Winkle Thursday, 12 June 2025 12:43 PM

While it is quite possible that the driver fell asleep, l think it could have been a matter of overconfidence on his part. These drivers negotiate curves in a very dangerous manner. They have been doing so for years and they take their 'skills' for granted. There's also the fact that some drivers openly admire and praise the fellows who indulge in such dangerous driving, thereby tempting others to take risks too.

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navratne willamune Thursday, 12 June 2025 01:01 PM

The Committee did not make any observations on the lorry chassis being used to make buses.Over-sized lorry busses operating in winding roads is a recipe for disasters to happen.

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kuma Thursday, 12 June 2025 01:19 PM

All buses public private commercial should be fitted with tachchograph drivers changed at 4hrly interval If feasible cctv cameras Random check including breath test six monthly test for narcotic substance together with annual medical check up be made compulsory. Wifi connection will allow a driver to be monitored with vision at all times with the help of internet providers This is one aspect The other the roads signs road conditions marking visibility Many roads with pot holes death traps especially at night, the road works with no warning signs and with dipped headlights poor road lighting its driving holding the heart!!

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Priyan66 Thursday, 12 June 2025 03:11 PM

Simple step is every bus journey spanning more than 8 hours should have 2 drivers. so they can have a driver for conductor work too. Police can check it easily too. Simple step to take for safety

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Man on the road Thursday, 12 June 2025 03:12 PM

Committee should have ban lorry buses on long distance routes as these lorry buses make drivers fatigue and make accidents

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DPerera Thursday, 12 June 2025 03:57 PM

Driver fell asleep and cause the accident. First legal action must be taken against police for allowing sleepy and non-fit drivers to drive public buses. Then only they should look at why RDA has not provided road barriers at that location. Whoever appointed this investigation committee comprising only police officers has no idea what needs to be investigated.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 12 June 2025 06:10 PM

The report has been prepared to spare the driver who was speeding on a hill country road but blames everyone else. No road safeguards will prevent such accidents mainly due to drivers speeding while driving under influence or driving under fatigue. Falling asleep means that the driver was not fit for the job at that time. Passengers had previously mentioned that the speed was high. Guard rails cannot hold a big bus if rails were hit at high speed. The coolies from NPP Laundry Corporation are already clapping on the report which encourages the killer drivers to continue their behaviour without fear.

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