May 11, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic bus accident that took place in the early hours of Saturday (11) in the Gerandi Ella area of Kotmale, which resulted in the deaths of at least 21 passengers and left over 35 others injured.
The vehicle, travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala via Nuwara Eliya, reportedly plunged into a deep precipice along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road, in what authorities are calling one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years.
In a statement issued by the President’s Media Division, the Head of State extended his condolences to the bereaved families and instructed both the security forces and health sector personnel to ensure that all necessary medical facilities be mobilised without delay.
Hospitals in the surrounding regions have been directed to prioritise emergency care for the injured.
President Dissanayake also acknowledged the alarming frequency of road accidents across the country, describing the current trend as a serious national concern that requires urgent intervention.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety, not only through stricter enforcement of existing laws but also through initiatives aimed at reshaping public attitudes towards responsible driving.
As part of this broader agenda, the President indicated that the government will roll out a new road safety initiative under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. While specific details have yet to be released, officials close to the administration suggest the project will focus on both punitive and preventative measures, including education campaigns and enhanced traffic monitoring systems.
Initial investigations into Saturday’s crash are still ongoing, but police have stated that the bus appears to have veered off the road before tumbling down the steep hillside. The precise cause has not yet been officially determined, though early reports point to the possibility of driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or excessive speed as potential factors.
Emergency response teams, including police, military personnel, and ambulance services, were deployed swiftly to the scene and worked under challenging conditions to retrieve the injured and deceased. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, with rescue operations extending into the afternoon.
With the number of casualties mounting and public concern deepening, the tragedy has reignited calls for a more systematic overhaul of Sri Lanka’s road safety protocols.
Road traffic incidents remain one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths in the country, with rural roads such as those in the Central Highlands being particularly prone to fatal accidents due to poor visibility, sharp bends, and inadequate safety infrastructure.
President Dissanayake’s remarks suggest that while long-term strategies are being formulated, the government also intends to take immediate steps to curtail further loss of life. Analysts say the effectiveness of these interventions will depend heavily on political will, institutional coordination, and community engagement—particularly in high-risk areas.
