• Multi-layered taxes make critical components for buses expensive
• Wreckage of bus to be handed over to Govt. Analyst today

In the wake of the devastating bus accident in Ella that claimed 15 lives, the Government is exploring a proposal to lower the prices of vehicle spare parts that will be discussed at a strategic meeting on road safety scheduled to be held tomorrow (8).

The tragic incident, reportedly caused by a brake failure, has spurred the ministry to consider measures that will make road safety more accessible and affordable for vehicle owners.

When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena’s Public Relations Officer Damian Weerakkody confirmed that the Government was exploring the proposal.

The proposal aims to address the serious implications of the Ella accident by ensuring that proper maintenance standards are met, particularly for buses and school vans. 

By lowering the cost of spare parts, the Government hopes to encourage vehicle owners to replace faulty components and thereby enhance overall road safety.

This initiative aligns with the ‘Safer Vehicles’ pillar of the ‘Go Safe – Road Safety Action Plan 2025–2026,’ which proposes measures like mandatory roadworthiness testing for all vehicles.

According to Weerakkody, a significant challenge is the prevalence of unregulated private buses and the high cost of safety-related components.

Initial investigations into the Ella bus accident suggest a possible mechanical defect, according to the Police. A Department of Motor Traffic expert has examined the wreckage and submitted a report indicating the fault. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact cause. 

The bus, which went off the Ella-Wellawaya road on Thursday (4) night, has been recovered and will be handed to the Government Analyst for further examination tomorrow (8).

The high price of imported spare parts is primarily due to a multi-layered tax structure. This includes a basic Import Duty ranging from 5–10%, a Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 18%, and other applicable levies. These taxes are calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the imported goods, significantly increasing the final price for consumers.