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'Case' in LTTE 'court' postponed again
The 'case' of the private bus driver involved in a fatal accident in LTTE-controlled Puliyankulam, was put off for December 20 after the bus driver arrived late for the 'hearing' at the LTTE 'court' in Kilinochchi last Friday.

The 'case' was taken up at 9 a.m. on November 8, at the LTTE 'courts', but the bus driver and others arrived only after 2 p.m. This was the second time the 'case' was postponed. At the last 'hearing' the bus driver did not turn up and the 'case' was postponed for November 8.

The driver, Indika Perera, had been driving a bus taking pilgrims to the North and was returning from Naga Vihare when the bus crashed into a van carrying passengers at Puliyankulam.

An eight-year-old child was killed in the crash, leading to the arrest of the driver and seizure of the bus by the LTTE. At last Friday's 'hearing' the family of the victim too were present.

Lanka Private Bus Owners Association President Gemunu Wijeratne told The Sunday Times that the Association is scheduled to meet the LTTE leadership next month to discuss the matter.

"We want to discuss the problem with the LTTE as the 'case' is being postponed and there seems to be no end to the matter.

We are also facing the problem of insurance cover. We strongly feel that the LTTE will come to an amicable settlement regarding the matter. We want to meet the LTTE before the next 'hearing'' said Mr. Wijeratne.

The LTTE imposed a fine of Rs. 200,000 which was later reduced to Rs. 150,000 - Rs. 100,000 for the release of the vehicle and Rs. 50,000 bail for the driver.

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