Murder charges against the private bus driver who caused the death of two passengers and endangered the lives of 66 people.

Charges of murder and attempted murder have been filed against a private bus driver for attempting to drive a bus over the Kala Oya bridge, which was submerged in severe floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and endangering the lives of 66 other passengers, including a High Court judge.

The suspect, Nugalayaddagedara Dhanushka Kumarasinghe, a resident of Saliyawewa, who was arrested in connection with this incident, was produced before the court, after which Nochchiyagama Magistrate P.R.I. Jameel ordered him to be remanded until January 21st. The police reported to the court how the bus was swept away by the strong current and submerged in the river.

Reporting facts to the court on behalf of the prosecution, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Thambuththegama stated that the suspect is facing charges of murder and attempted murder under Sections 296 and 300 of the Penal Code. The prosecution further pointed out that despite constant warnings from police officers and residents that the bridge was submerged due to the river overflowing, the driver disregarded these warnings and drove the bus amidst the perilous conditions.

Lawyers appearing for the suspect informed the court that their client had no intention or purpose of harming the passengers, and therefore, filing murder charges against him was not justifiable. The defense lawyers requested the court to withdraw the relevant charges and grant bail to the suspect under suitable conditions.

However, the Magistrate rejected the defense's request and decided that the case would proceed under charges of murder and attempted murder. The court also informed the defense that they have the option to apply to the High Court for the suspect's bail.

A group of officers, including Rajanganaya Police Station OIC Chief Inspector Ranasinghe, appeared for the prosecution, while Attorney Ms. Dushanthika Dissanayake presented arguments on behalf of the suspect. Attorneys M.A. Sumanthiran and Chandrasiri Rajapaksha appeared before the court to represent the rights of the aggrieved parties.