Message by Minister Jeewan Thondaman
Many people are unaware of the dangerous Radella bend/shortcut. It is a steep 3 km road with continuous bends, this shortcut was built with the intention of reducing the distance between Nanu oya and Lindula
A) The Radella bend is not meant for heavy vehicles as the weight of a heavy vehicle along with the nature of the road is a recipe for disaster.
B) Many accidents have taken place there and many lives have been lost due to lack of awareness. We, as locals are well aware.
Unfortunately, tourists, outstation drivers and MANY youngsters who come to Nuwara Eliya, are tempted to speed. Be responsible and not reckless.
After last night, we must understand that we cannot recover the lives that were lost last night but we must also be grateful students in the bus, which had plunged quite deep into the precipice, had escaped with minor injuries.
- Decisions taken:
1) Ban on heavy vehicles using this bend/shortcut
2) Increase police checkpoints at the beginning & end of Radella bend
3) Height barrier of 8 to 8.5 ft to be constructed on entry and exit points
4) Awareness to be created and provide a safe environment for all.
Lastly, had it been a bus of plantation school students meeting with an accident of such magnitude, would the same level of importance prevail? Even amongst the public. We all share a collective responsibility.