News
Driver fatigue cause of bus accident: SLTB violates Motor Traffic Act
View(s):
Chandana, a father of three, was an active member in his village temple who helped bring an offshoot of the Sri Maha Bodhiya
By Rukman Ratnayake in Tissamaharama
Kelum Chandana, (41) , the driver of the ill-fated bus that went off the road at Gerandi Ella, Kotmale, in which 23 people including the driver were killed and many others injured, had joined the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) as a driver in 2009 and had a good safety record till that fateful day.
A committee appointed to investigate the cause of the fatal accident has concluded that driver fatigue was the primary cause of the accident, citing a violation of mandatory rest regulations under the Motor Traffic Act.
His family is struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loving father and husband.
Chandana was a loving and caring father of three, and a well-known person in his village of Vilamulla in Tissamaharama, where he was the chief dayakaya of the village temple. 
His wife Nirosha Sumanmali is still in shock over the death of her husband, as well as over the blame he has had to bear over the deaths of many others. She struggles to come to terms with her loss.
“We got married in 2004, and we have three children. Whenever he came back after a long distance trip, he would bring the children chocolates and other things they like to eat. Today I have been left alone with three children and am facing an uncertain future,” she said.
She added that while she has received Rs 1 million as compensation from the government, it won’t compensate for the loss of her husband.
She said Chandana considered the safety of those traveling in the bus his priority, and had won over everyone in the village with his kind and gracious nature.
Irasha Madhushani, his younger sister, recalled how Chandana had started working from the age of 16 to help out the family financially. “He was like a father to us, providing for whatever needs we have. From a young age he took his responsibilities seriously. It is hard to imagine he is no more with us,” she lamented. 
The Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sambuddha Maha Viharaya, Suduvelipelessa, Kirinda temple, Venerable Balangoda Nalaka Thero described Chandana as a religious person who held the post of the chief dayaka for 8 years.
“When he was young he had been sent to a temple to be ordained, which made him very close to his faith. He brought to our temple an offshoot of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura which was a great blessing,” the Thera said.
Chandana had worked tirelessly for the temple and assisted in whatever way he could, the thera said.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!