Speed, loss of control caused crash:Examiner

The preliminary investigations into the motor accident that killed Parliamentarian Sripathy Sooriyaarachchi has concluded that the crash was caused by the driver losing control of the vehicle being driven at a speed of over 100 kilometres per hour.

In his report Motor Traffic Examiner Sisira Kumara who investigated the scene of the accident said that the brakes of the Toyota Land Cruiser were in good condition and while the front tyres were also in good condition, the rear tyres which were badly worn out contributed to the severity of the crash.

Galgamuwa Police OIC D.M.U.M.Dissanayaka said that statements made by one of the survivors - PC Nihal Kumarasinghe of the MSD - also support the findings of the vehicle examiner that the vehicle was travelling at very high speed. Police also dismissed allegations that the MP’s vehicle was followed by another vehicle saying that had another vehicle been following it, the MP or his bodyguards could have alerted the Police.

Meanwhile UNP Kandy district MP Lakshman Kiriella who has alleged that there was foul play behind Mr.Sooriyaarachhi’s accident told The Sunday Times that some Government ministers and senior police officers are colluding and making misleading statements to the media which is raising doubts if a fair investigation can be held into this incident.

“The late MP told me he has a video which he hoped to present to Parliament regarding the handing over of money to the LTTE prior to the last Presidential polls. He also had many details about the purchase of MiG fighter jets. So there is a possibility his death is not an accident,” he said.