Former health minister dies when construction elevator collapses

By Dileep Jayasekara   

Former Minister of Health Dr. P.N.B. Cyril, 89, died in an accident involving the collapse of the construction elevator used for some work at the third floor of his house, the police said.  Police said the construction escalator installed outside his house at Siribopura, Hambantota had collapsed with the former minister and his driver on board.   

The former minister who received serious injuries had been admitted to Hambantota general hospital and transferred in critical condition to the Karapitiya teaching hospital where he succumbed to his injures   
The driver who received injuries was admitted to Hambantota General Hospital.   

Investigations revealed that the former minister with his driver were inspecting the ongoing repairs to the building when the escalator collapsed.   

He entered politics in 1977 and successfully contested for the Tissamaharama seat on the UNP ticket . 
The autopsy conducted by Karapitiya Teaching Hospital JMO Dr. Rohan Ruwanpura revealed that the death was caused by multiple injuries to the spinal cord and heart.