Sri Lanka, Sept. 12 -- An investigation into the fatal bus accident in Ella has found that the bus owner spent more on decorative modifications than on the value of the vehicle itself.

According to Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector for the Nuwara Eliya District, Jaliya Bandara, the owner admitted that he bought the bus for Rs.5.5 million and spent around Rs.7 million on modifications to attract customers for pleasure trips.

Despite the heavy spending on aesthetics, Bandara said that the investigation revealed the bus was not properly maintained.

He noted that a long-term grease leak was discovered in the rear hub of the brake system.

The inspector advised the public to pay close attention to the safety, maintenance, and driver's experienc...