Ramani of Colombo National Hospital, who unfortunately passed away after being run over by the bus she had been traveling on for 14 years.

A tragic incident has been reported from the Bandaragama area, where a woman who dedicated her profession for thirty-eight years to healing the lives of helpless patients, was run over by the very bus she had travelled in for fourteen years to go to work, and died in front of her husband's eyes.

The unfortunate deceased is Mrs. G. T. Ramani Premalatha, a 59-year-old mother of three, who resided in Galtude, Kalutara Road, Bandaragama, and served as a Senior Officer in charge at the Colombo National Hospital.

According to the police, the accident occurred around 5:30 AM the day before yesterday (10th). As usual, she was approaching the bus stop in front of her house to go to work. As the bus arrived at the stop, she crossed the road and was walking in front of the bus to board it when she was hit.

Her husband, Mr. L. C. Nanayakkara, states that immediately after the accident, no external injuries were visible, and she was first taken to the Bandaragama District Hospital. He tearfully stated that although it was necessary to refer her to the Panadura Base Hospital for further treatment, this was hindered due to the ambulance delay. However, after being admitted to the Panadura Base Hospital, she passed away in the operating theatre.

The post-mortem examination regarding her death was conducted by Mr. Madhawa Premaratne, the Inquirer into Sudden Deaths at Panadura Base Hospital. However, the deceased officer's husband alleges that the family members had to face another deeply unpleasant experience during this tragic time.

According to him, the day before yesterday (10th), a Judicial Medical Officer refused to conduct the relevant post-mortem examination, stating that she had to pick up her child from an extra class.

"My wife treated helpless patients for 38 years. In the end, a situation arose where we couldn't even retrieve her body freely. I hope that responsible officials will take action against such unjust acts," Mr. Nanayakkara expressed his pain.

He further stated that due to this situation, he had to seek the assistance of the Minister of Health and the Secretary. Subsequently, another Judicial Medical Officer conducted the post-mortem examination, and according to the police, it was revealed that severe injuries to the ribs caused bleeding into the lungs, leading to death.

The driver of the bus belonging to the Kesbewa depot involved in the accident was arrested and released on bail after being produced before the Panadura Magistrate's Court. Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by Police Constables Udawatta (103710), Nuwan (83806), and Madusanka (55389), under the instructions of Chief Police Inspector Channa Amarasekara, the OIC of Bandaragama Police.