Compensation was granted yesterday to 23 persons including passengers and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) drivers and conductors assaulted by thugs during the private bus strike on December 1, at the SLTB headquarters under the patronage of Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.
Four passengers including the Lance Corporal of Sri Lanka Army who sustained injuries after stones were hurled at a SLTB bus were compensated.
Lance Corporal G.R. Chandana Shantha Sumanaratne is a resident of Nawalapitiya.
Eighteen SLTB bus drivers and a conductor were also compensated.
The injured Lance Corporal was given Rs.50,000 while the others received Rs. 25,000 and Rs.20,000.
Minister De Silva addressing the gathering said compensation was granted to appreciate the service of SLTB bus drivers who courageously faced the threats from thugs and continued to operate the buses as well as the passengers who travelled by SLTB buses during the private bus strike.
It is our responsibility to look after those injured while in the service of the state.
It is also the responsibility of the SLTB to protect its passengers, the minister said.