Committee appointed to investigate Gerandi Ella Bus accident

 The tragedy occurred when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the Nuwara Eliya-Gampola main road and plunged down a steep precipice.

Acting on the orders of the Acting Inspector General of Police, a five-member committee has been appointed to probe the incident. The committee is led by Senior Deputy Inspector General Ajith Rohana and includes four other senior police officials. 

Their investigation will focus on several critical factors, including the mechanical condition of the vehicle, the conduct of the driver, and adherence to operational safety protocols.

Preliminary assessments by the Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector have ruled out mechanical failure as the cause. Instead, investigators suspect overloading and driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash. Eyewitnesses reported the bus was overcrowded, and the driver may have shown signs of exhaustion.

Emergency response teams, including police, military personnel, and local residents, were quick to arrive at the scene to assist with rescue operations. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.

The government has expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and promised swift action based on the findings of the investigation committee.