Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today (08) that passenger transport vehicles such as buses, vans, office vans, and school vans will soon be required to undergo a mandatory road worthiness test every 5,000 km or once in three months.
The Minister stressed that this is not the annual road worthiness test currently in place, but a shorter, less comprehensive check designed to ensure basic safety. The test is expected to cost between Rs.1,500–2,000, and will cover several key mechanical functions.
Private vehicles will not be included, though Rathnayake noted it would be beneficial if they too underwent such checks.
He explained that the decision follows a series of serious accidents, including the Kotmale bus crash in May 2025, the Ella accident, and the recent Monaragala tractor collision that killed five people.
Investigations revealed alarming negligence: one bus had operated for nearly a year with one side of its brakes disabled, while another had a brake hose replaced with a garden hose. In the Monaragala case, the tractor trailer had no lights, leading to a fatal rear‑end collision, he said.
Rathnayake further said that vehicles rented for trips must be treated as part of a business and maintained accordingly, as passengers pay for safe travel but often face risks due to poor upkeep.
The Minister added that the new testing regime will also create opportunities in the transport sector. NVQ Level 4 graduates with relevant skills will be able to register at garages to conduct the checks, opening up new employment and self‑earning prospects.
He explained that the measure is not intended to burden operators but to ensure that passenger transport vehicles undergo preliminary safety checks at least once every three months, thereby reducing accidents and saving lives. (Newswire)