Crackdown on dangerously modified vehicles following Ella–Wellawaya tragedy

• The crackdown will particularly target passenger vehicles fitted with excessively loud sound systems and flashing multi-colored lights

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Authorities will launch strict enforcement of traffic laws against dangerously modified vehicles from tomorrow (8), Deputy Transport Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said.  
He said the crackdown will particularly target vehicles fitted with excessively loud sound systems and flashing multi-colored lights, which are prohibited under transport regulations.  
The move comes in the wake of a devastating accident on Thursday night (04) along the Ella–Wellawaya road, where 15 people were killed and 17 others injured. A bus carrying 32 passengers, including employees of the Tangalle Municipal Council and their relatives on a leisure trip, plunged nearly 1,000 feet down a cliff after rear-ending a luxury jeep near the 24th milepost.  
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with bystanders and security forces rushing to assist. Two rescuers were injured during the efforts, along with an Army Special Forces officer who was among the first responders. Thirteen of the injured remain under treatment at the Badulla Teaching Hospital.