GSMB suspends sand transport during school hours after fatal crash

7 September 2025 09:36 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 8 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has suspended the transportation of sand during school hours with effect from last Thursday (4), following a fatal collision between a school van and a lorry in Dummalasooriya, Kuliyapitiya.

GSMB Director General Deepani Weerakoon announced that mineral transportation will now be restricted to between 6.30 a.m. and 7.45 a.m. and from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. on school days.

The decision was taken after a discussion at the Bureau in response to the tragic accident, in which three people including two children and the driver of the school van were killed, while 13 others were injured.

Weerakoon advised lorry drivers to park their vehicles on the roadside during the restricted hours, noting that transport permits will only be valid before 6.00 a.m. and after 6.00 p.m.

“No requests have been received regarding changes to the restricted time periods. If any requests are made, the times will be adjusted accordingly,” she said, adding that all relevant authorities have been informed through Provincial GSMB offices.

Comments - 8

Maalumama Sunday, 07 September 2025 09:51 AM

What a sad plight! Why are authorities waiting for an accident to happen and then react? Does this mean that accidents involving adults would not matter. What is required is stricter traffic regulations. There are so many vulnerabilities on our roads no body knows where to begin. Implement a programme to improve road safety by introducing proper regulations and educating drivers. We wait for a tragic accident to happen and then blabber rubbish....

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Weary Sunday, 07 September 2025 02:02 PM

After the event response is standard practice by authorities in the UK. For example speed cameras or speed humps will only be installed after an accident. No matter how many complaints are lodged with authorities, the response is, why, no incidents so so action.

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Bernard Sunday, 07 September 2025 10:17 AM

The most irritating

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Darcey Sunday, 07 September 2025 10:41 AM

what sought of a decision is this, so at the other times it okay if they run over people? the person who came up with this suggestion and the head of this institute should immediately sacked.

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Siva Ponniah Sunday, 07 September 2025 11:01 AM

Earlier there was restrictions imposed on the time for heavy vehicles to move on roads. But this was later removed by the Mahinda Govt bcse of political pressure from their party members. Most of the heavy vehicles are owned by MPs and Ministers. Good that GSMB has decided to impose restrictions again.

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maha Sunday, 07 September 2025 12:16 PM

if next time got an accident during rush office hours, would restrict during office time too ? also if the accident is involve with passenger bus, during peak time buses too will be banded ? Really this kind of decision makers should be sympathized

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Patcitz Sunday, 07 September 2025 12:43 PM

Heavy vehicle operations — particularly those transporting sand, bricks, and quarry materials — must be strictly prohibited between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., aligning with school hours. Partial restrictions have proven ineffective, as reckless driving by tipper truck operators continues to endanger pedestrians, especially schoolchildren. Authorities must enforce a full ban during peak school commuting times to prioritize public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

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Citizens Sunday, 07 September 2025 12:55 PM

Heavy vehicles, including buses, are not permitted to go over the overhead bridge in Dehiwela but right under the eyes of the traffic police, this is done on numerous occasions when they want to overtake another bus! What does the police do?? Absolutely NOTHING! In a society where people are indisciplined rowdies, these things happen! Very strict rules of punishment should be in place!!

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