Among the top news stories reported today were a bus collision in Welliaya that killed one driver and injured 21 passengers, a passenger bus catching fire on the Southern Expressway, the announcement of an islandwide postal strike from tomorrow, and a special police operation carried out across the country targeting crime and narcotics.
Following are the highlights of the news stories for today:
Bus collision kills driver, injures 21
An SLTB driver was killed and 21 passengers injured when his bus and a private bus collided at Welliaya on the Siyambalanduwa Pottuvil road today morning. The SLTB bus veered off the road and fell into a ditch. Fifteen women were among the injured receiving treatment at the Monaragala hospital.
Pix by Sumanasiri Gunathilake
Bus fire on Southern Expressway
A passenger bus travelling from Colombo to Hambantota caught fire on the Southern Expressway between Dodangoda and Welipenna yesterday afternoon. Passengers were evacuated as smoke spread around the bus.
Pix by Sirangika Lokukarawita
Postal strike from tomorrow
Postal workers will launch an islandwide strike from 4 p.m. tomorrow (17) over 19 demands including overtime payments and opposition to fingerprint attendance. Services are expected to be disrupted though sub-post offices will remain open. The Postmaster General has cancelled staff leave and warned of delays in mail delivery.
Islandwide crime operation by police
A special police operation was carried out across the country on August 15, targeting crime and narcotics. Police arrested 27,092 people in connection with crimes and 24 for narcotics. A total of 689 suspects were taken into custody, 242 were remanded, and 158 were released on bail. Officers also arrested 100 drunk drivers, seized 27 vehicles, and recorded 3,635 traffic offences.
Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte passed away today while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, his family said. He was 57. Recently, he was admitted to hospital following an illness.
Among the top news stories reported today were the passing away of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, questioning of NPP Leader Wimal Weerawansa by the CID over the remarks he made about the Easter Sunday attack investigations and a protest march held in Borella calling an end to Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza.
Read this week’s Sunday Times for your interesting articles
A NPP MP has proposed that in the event of a dog bite caused by non-vaccinated domesticated pet dog, the owner of the pet should be called to pay for the treatment expenses incurred by the state run hospital.
Two persons reportedly involved in the murder of a resident in Peradeniya following a dispute over a chocolate worth 10 cents has been remanded by the Magistrate when Peradeniya Police produced them in court.
Leave Comments