The bus driver who was arrested in connection with the accident in Manampitiya on Sunday that claimed the lives of eleven persons was remanded till July 24 by the Polonnaruwa Magistrate today.

Manampitiya Police OIC Inspector Asela Sarath Kumara stated that eleven persons, including two Eastern University students, died when the bus fell into the river after crashing into Kotaleeya Bridge.

Police said that the bus driver, 40, is a resident of Sandiveli, Batticaloa. Preliminary investigations have confirmed that this private bus does not have a road licence to drive on North Central Province roads. According to the Manampitiya police, careless and reckless driving caused this fatal accident.