May 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to release financial compensation to the families of those who perished in the devastating bus crash that occurred on May 11 in the Gerandi Ella area of Kotmale.
This tragic incident, which unfolded on the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road, left 22 people dead and dozens more injured.
In a statement issued by the President’s Media Division, it was confirmed that each bereaved family would receive Rs. 1 million in compensation, disbursed from the President’s Fund.
The payments have already been allocated to the relevant Divisional Secretariats based on the victims’ places of residence, ensuring prompt and localised distribution.
The compensation process covers a broad geographic range, with Secretariats in Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathavilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale, and Rambewa now tasked with delivering the funds to the victims’ next of kin.
The accident, which has been described as one of the most harrowing in recent memory, occurred when a private passenger bus veered off the mountainous road and plunged down a steep precipice in the early hours of the morning.
Many of the passengers on board were returning from a pilgrimage. Initial investigations suggest driver fatigue and mechanical failure as possible causes, though a full inquiry is ongoing.
In addition to the lives lost, nearly 40 passengers suffered injuries—some critical—and are currently receiving in-patient care at several hospitals across the region. Medical personnel continue to monitor these cases closely, with particular concern for those with severe trauma.
The swift response from the President’s Office has been welcomed by many, including local officials and members of the public, who have commended the effort to provide timely financial support to the grieving families.
However, the incident has also reignited calls for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, especially for long-distance and night-time travel on high-risk routes.
