The Moratuwa Police today (26) arrested the driver and three others involved in assaulting a youth who questioned an excessive delay in the departure of a bus on route 255 (Kottawa–Mount Lavinia) on Sunday (24).

The Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority has since suspended the route permit of the bus (ND3993) and the driver’s and conductor’s permits.

The incident occurred when the bus, which departed Kottawa between 6.45 p.m. and 7.00 p.m., inexplicably stopped in Piliyandala for nearly 30 minutes, causing frustration among passengers. Chesika Gunarathne, the assaulted youth, reported that passengers who raised concerns were dismissed by the conductor, who reportedly said, “If you can’t wait, get off the bus.”

After confronting the conductor over passenger safety and regulatory violations, Gunarathne was allegedly assaulted by the driver, conductor, and others. The incident has sparked public outcry following Gunarathne's social media post detailing the events.

Related News: Youth Assaulted by Private Bus Gang After Questioning Delay in Departure