Tragic bus collision in Weerawila raises road safety concerns

Weerawila, March 18 (Daily Mirror) - At least four people were killed and around 40 others injured in a head-on collision involving two Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses along the Ambalantota–Kataragama road, police confirmed.

The accident occurred when a Colombo–Kataragama bus collided with another SLTB bus traveling from Tissa to Karapitiya. The injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the crash, while traffic safety advocates have called for urgent measures to prevent similar incidents. Experts say overcrowded roads, driver fatigue, and poor road conditions contribute significantly to such tragedies.

“The number of fatal accidents on intercity routes has been rising, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved driver training,” said a road safety official requesting anonymity.

This incident has reignited public concern over the safety of public transport, particularly on heavily trafficked rural highways connecting major towns and pilgrimage sites.

Police have appealed to motorists to exercise caution and cooperate with ongoing investigations.