A dangerous decision to cross a flooded bridge has led to one of the most serious criminal charges faced by a bus driver, raising urgent questions about responsibility, public safety, and accountability during extreme weather.
The driver of a private bus that attempted to cross the overflowing Kala Oya bridge during heavy rains has been remanded until January 21 in connection with an incident that placed dozens of lives at risk. The bus was carrying 68 passengers, including a sitting High Court judge, when it was swept away by floodwaters despite repeated warnings.
Nochchiyagama Magistrate P.R.I. Jameel ordered the suspect to be remanded after considering allegations that the driver ignored police instructions and appeals from members of the public not to cross the flooded bridge. The court was told that the driver’s actions directly endangered the lives of all passengers on board as floodwaters surged across the bridge.
The suspect, identified as Dhanushka Kumarasinghe, a resident of Balagollagama in the Saliyawewa Upper Puliyankulam area, was arrested by the Rajanganaya Police and produced before the Nochchiyagama Magistrate’s Court. Following submissions by the prosecution, the court ordered that he remain in remand custody until January 21.
What makes the case particularly significant is the nature of the charges filed. Police have charged the suspect with murder under Section 296 of the Sri Lanka Penal Code and attempted murder under Section 300. The Assistant Superintendent of Police of Thambuttegama informed court that investigators had decided to proceed under these serious criminal provisions, citing the extreme risk posed to passengers.
Lawyers appearing for the suspect presented lengthy submissions, arguing that their client had no intention of harming or endangering the lives of those on board at the time of the incident. They maintained that charging the driver with murder and attempted murder was unjust and disproportionate, and requested that the charges be withdrawn and that the suspect be released on bail under suitable conditions.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Nochchiyagama Magistrate firmly rejected the defense request to drop the charges. The court upheld the position taken by the Rajanganaya Police, ruling that the seriousness of the alleged conduct warranted the continuation of murder and attempted murder charges at this stage.
In delivering the order, the magistrate informed the defense that the suspect retains the right to seek bail from the High Court, while remaining in remand custody until the next court date.
