Compensation for hit-and-run victims to be increased : Minister Arjuna

The compensation provided for victims of hit-and-run accidents will be increased in future, Transport Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said today (Jun 14).

He explained that the amount of income which must be paid to the National Council on Road Safety (NCRS) by insurance companies from their earnings through third-party insurance packages, has been increased upto two percent.

The Transport Minister made these remarks while attending an event to provide Rs 4 million worth compensation for 27 hit-and-run accident victims.  

Mr. Ranatunga noted that a cabinet proposal would be tabled next week to establish a national commission for road safety. This would be done to expand the functions of the NCRS, he added.

"We will also take steps to regulate buses, school service vehicles, office vehicles, and even three-wheelers.," the Minister said.

He added that only comfortable buses will be introduced to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB)'s fleet in future. "We need a safe transport system in the country," the Transport Minister emphasised.