• 1,870 dead in 1,757 accidents during 1 Jan.-4 Sept., 7-8 daily fatalities 

Last week’s bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road occurred due to the negligence of the driver, according to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Traffic Indika Hapugoda. Hapugoda stated that the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a precipice.

The accident took place on 4 September near the 24th milepost on the Ella-Wellawaya main road. The bus was transporting a group of Tangalle Urban Council staff members and their families, who were returning from a leisure trip. The crash resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 17 others. Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the incident. 

Speaking at a media briefing held on Monday (8), Hapugoda confirmed that a special investigation is being conducted over the bus accident and noted that Motor Traffic inspectors have already examined the site. He said that under the guidance of the Senior DIGs in charge of the Badulla and Bandarawela Divisions, a special Police team has been appointed to carry out inquiries. Hapugoda said that preliminary investigations reveal that the accident occurred primarily due to the driver’s carelessness. He stated: “The bus was driven by a 25-year-old man who was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, leading it to plunge off the road into a ravine.” 

Hapugoda also revealed that from 1 January to 4 September, a total of 1,757 fatal road accidents had occurred in Sri Lanka, claiming 1,870 lives. Hapugoda noted that around seven to eight people are killed daily due to fatal road accidents. Therefore, he stated that all road users – including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and passengers – must strictly follow traffic laws, adhere to road signs, and act with self-discipline to minimise the number of accidents.