Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 [3.35 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, first, regarding these containers everyone is talking about: two came to our district. Where did the other 321 go? We request the House be informed—were they distributed by divisional secretariat, electorate or district? Investigate and inform us.

¶ 03 There was a shooting in Ambalangoda today. Murders are increasing. Containers of drugs are coming into our district and country. The Government must implement an effective plan to stop these crimes.

¶ 04 On the UAE Agreement, senior Members have spoken. I wish to speak about the tragic accident that recently struck the people of Tangalle. A bus carrying 33 residents, including 12 municipal staff led by the Municipal Secretary, fell 1,000 feet into a precipice, killing 15, including many of our municipal team and relatives. Locals in Ella, from 9.30 p.m. through the night, worked to rescue survivors. Lance Corporal W.M.V.M. Bandara, on leave in his village, descended with others and helped carry bodies up; he was injured by a falling rock and is now in intensive care. The Army, STF and Police laboured through the night to rescue 18 and hospitalize them. I express profound gratitude to all who helped.

¶ 05 Dr. Palitha Rajapakse, Head of the Emergency Unit at Badulla Hospital, came with his team, descended and provided urgent treatment before evacuation. Staff at Badulla, Diyatalawa and Bandarawela Hospitals rendered great service. Local authorities, tourism operators, three-wheeler associations and traders in Ella assisted. Traders also provided Rs. 50,000 each to the 15 bereaved families and supported funerals. Our Prime Minister paid respects. The Leader of the Opposition visited the 15 houses with me, shared their grief and planned further support. Former Mayor and current Opposition Leader Ravindu Wedaarachchi and Mr. Siras also assisted. Deputy Minister Ruchan Senarath and many others helped immensely. I thank all of them.

¶ 06 I propose we amend regulations so bus driving licences are issued only to married drivers aged 35 or above—this bus was driven by a 26-year-old and had only two doors. Also, recent tragic schoolchildren accidents by tippers show that the current limited-time movement bans are ineffective; vehicles simply wait and resume at the permitted time. Previously, we restricted tippers and containers from 6.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. for through movement; we should consider reverting to that stronger regime.

¶ 07 Once more, I express my condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy.