Railways to Pay Compensation to Injured Passengers

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Railways has initiated steps to provide compensation to passengers injured in the Wanawasala train derailment.

Speaking on the matter, Sri Lanka Railways Transport Superintendent Asanka Samarasinghe stated that there is an established compensation scheme approved by the Cabinet. Under the previous system, compensation for death or permanent disability was set at Rs. 150,000, but this amount has now been increased to Rs. 1 million.

He further noted that hospitalized passengers are eligible to receive Rs. 2,000 per day for up to one week, and Rs. 5,000 per day thereafter, under the compensation framework.

He added that arrangements are currently being made to process compensation payments once the injured passengers are discharged from hospital, based on their medical records.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Railways confirmed that damage assessment work related to the derailment is already underway and is expected to be completed today or tomorrow. A report will subsequently be submitted to the police to determine further action.

The department also called on the public to promptly report any acts of sabotage on railway lines.

The accident occurred in the early hours on Saturday (16) when a train travelling from Polgahawela to South Kalutara derailed between Wanawasala and Kelaniya railway stations.

One compartment veered off the track, and a nearby parked vehicle was also damaged.

Investigations into the incident have led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the removal of parts from the railway track. They were produced before the Colombo Aluthkade No. 05 Magistrate’s Court and remanded until the 29th.

Samarasinghe further stated that incidents of sabotage on railway lines can be reported through the 1971 Public Complaints Division hotline.

He added that both Sri Lanka Railways and the police have implemented security measures to safeguard railway infrastructure.