Parliament is set to take up for approval the Motor Vehicles (Inspection) Order No. 03 of 2026, introduced to strengthen road safety following a series of serious accidents linked to structural weaknesses in passenger vehicles.
According to the government, recent investigations by motor vehicle inspectors revealed that mechanical and structural defects in vehicles had contributed to many of the accidents.
In response, authorities identified the need to establish a formal procedure for checking the roadworthiness of passenger transport services, school transport, office transport, and rental vehicles used for special tours.
These services fall under the regulation of the National Transport Commission, Provincial Passenger Transport Authorities, and the Sri Lanka Transport Board.
The Order, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2489/22 dated 19 May 2026, introduces the necessary provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The proposal to present the Order before Parliament was submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and has already been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Newswire)