Busmen in accidents liable to pay compensation

COLOMBO: Private bus owners whose buses get involved in road accidents resulting in the death or incapacitation of the victims will be made liable for payment of compensation, Railways and Transport Minister A.H.M. Fowzie said.

Legislation in this connection will be introduced in Parliament soon, he said.

Addressing a ceremony at Kottawa to add a new bus to the passenger transport service between Kottawa and Malabe via Horahena, the Minister also deployed two new passenger transport buses to ply between the Millennium City Housing Complex and Colombo from Friday.

Fowzie said owner of the bus will be held responsible when accident occur because of bus drivers. Explaining duty free facilities for private bus owners who import new buses, the Minister said this facility will be allowed only in case of those who withdraw a bus from the route due to its unroadworthiness.