President directs compensation for bus accident victims

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed to pay compensation through the National Transport Commission in respect of those killed in an accident involving a private bus and a van near Omaragolla on the Colombo-Anuradhapura highway on November 18, the President's Office said yesterday.

Twelve persons were killed in this accident and a large number were injured and the President instructed the Chairman of the Transport Commission yesterday to pay Rs.25,000 in respect of each death.

The decision to pay compensation in this manner was taken following a survey of the accident made by the President.

In the case of accidents involving CTB buses Rs.15,000 per death is paid but there is no provision currently to grant compensation when a private bus is involved.

Under the circumstances, the President directed that in such cases where the involved vehicle is a private passenger bus, similar compensation must be paid immediately.

The President also instructed the Transport Commission Chairman to make arrangements for the recovery of compensation so paid from the private bus owner concerned and re-imburse the relevant Provincial Council.