The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced plans to expand the mobile drug testing program for drivers and conductors across the island, as part of efforts to strengthen public transport safety.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (08) at the Ministry, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute, Professor Clifford Perera said the initiative, launched in November last year, has already tested 5,242 drivers and conductors in the Western Province, with 239 confirmed to have used narcotics and referred for legal action.
He added that the program will be doubled in scale before the end of the year and extended beyond the Western Province.
Perera stressed that drug‑free driving is essential to reduce road accidents, fatalities, and disabilities, noting that the program aims to deliver a vital message beyond punishment.
Also addressing the media, Chairman of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, Gamini Jasinghe, noted that around 11,000 drivers and conductors are engaged in passenger transport in the province, and while not all are drug users, the program is designed to identify offenders.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Council on Road Safety, Manjula Kularatne, said the mobile testing unit was introduced as a sustainable measure in the national road safety plan.
He revealed that more than 15,000 checks have already been carried out, and the program will be further expanded to protect lives and property. (Newswire)