Disabled student seeks compensation

Wasantha Ramanayake

Permanently disabled Colombo University medical student Samitha Samanmalee filed a case in the Colombo District Court seeking compensation in Rs. 500 million from the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Memorial Foundation.

Plaintiff Samitha Samanmalee filing the plaint in the District Court through her Attorney G.G. Arulpragasam stated that she was permanently disabled after an iron bar detached from a stall fell on her head when she was visiting the BMICH premises on the invitation of the defendant management to observe the premises to hold a medical exhibition.

She stated that she was one of the members of the organizing committee of the medical exhibition to be held at the BMICH. She stated that while she was visiting the premises, another exhibition was being held where a large crowd was gathering.

She alleged that the accident was a result of the negligence of the defendant to provide protection and safety to the people, visiting the BMICH.

According to the plaintiff, she had been permanently disabled, unable to attend to her day to day activities. She stated that she would have to obtain the service of a private medical attendant for the rest of her life.

As a result of the accident she lost the prospect of getting married and leading the life of a normal person. She stated she had lost the prospects of becoming a normal practising medical officer in the future which would adversely affect her financial security.

She also stated that she had continued her studies amidst severe financial hardships after she lost her father. She sought compensation in Rs. 500 million.