Govt. mulls raising compensation for hit and run victims

• NCRF to be upgraded to commission
• Says only luxury buses will be imported to improve public transportation
• NCRF says deaths from road accidents reduced following awareness programs

The Government has decided to increase the compensation offered to victims of hit and run incidents, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday. Recently, the 1% contribution made by insurance companies to the National Council for Road Safety (NCRF) from third party insurance policies was increased to 2%. 

Following that, the National Council for Road Safety had decided to increase compensation offered for victims of hit and run cases, Ranatunga said. A program to promote awareness on road safety was held at Mahaweli yesterday. During the event, Ranatunga distributed Rs. 4 million among 27 victims of hit and run cases, and the newest edition of the ‘Hari Maga’ magazine published by the National Council for Road Safety was presented to Ranatunga. 

Speaking at the event, Ranatunga said he would convert the NCRF into a commission, broadening its role to improve road safety in the country. He noted a proposal would be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. “Safe transportation services are essential for Sri Lanka, therefore I will not hesitate to take tough decisions to improve road safety, especially when it comes to buses. We will take necessary measures to regulate school vans, staff transport services and three-wheelers, and I have already informed unions of this,” he said.  He noted as a move to improve public transportation, only luxury buses will be imported in future. 

However, he did not say when the initiative will be launched. Speaking at the event, NCRF Chairman Dr. Sisira Kodagoda said the number of deaths from road accidents had reduced during the last few years following continuous awareness programs conducted by the NCRF.  

“A considerable number of deaths could have been prevented if those injured in road accidents were hospitalised sooner. If we can be better drivers, many lives can be saved,” Dr. Kodagoda said.

Pic by P. D. de Silva