This is with reference to the news item in ‘The Island’ of 16/3/2002 - "Victims of train disaster to ask for compensation."

It is not strange that they maintain a silence with regard to compensating the victims of the Kiriwallapitiya intercity train disaster on 13.1.2002 and to add insult to injury they are being driven from pillar to post - as this is the modus operandi of almost all government departments today - to shirk responsibilities by making the appellants give up in sheer disgust having spent their valuable time and money they could ill afford - going on a wild goose chase.

It was surprising to read they were directed to the Nawalapitiya Control or Trans Office to make representations. I suggest to Mr. Anura Dissanayake to meet the Transport Minister with an appeal stating everything therein and discuss the problem. He being the decision maker could advise the GMR on what action to take - and the GMR in turn could direct the Chief Accountant Railways to make whatever payments to the unfortunate victims.
D. Ranaweera
Matale