A special random drug testing program targeting public transport drivers at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center yesterday (16) confirmed that four drivers had been using dangerous narcotics.

The operation was carried out under the Road Safety Plan of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, with the National Transport Medical Institute leading the initiative. A team headed by Dr. N.A. Abeysekara conducted the examinations inside the Institute’s mobile laboratory bus.

Around 150 bus drivers and assistants were tested during the morning program, which forms part of a nationwide campaign to ensure a disciplined, drug‑free workforce in public transport.

According to the Transport Ministry, the program aims to reduce road accidents and restore discipline among drivers, stressing that those identified as drug users will face maximum punishment under institutional regulations as well as legal action under common law.

The Ministry of Transport, Sri Lanka Police, and the National Transport Medical Institute are jointly supporting the initiative, which is expected to expand island‑wide to build a safe and reliable public transport system. (Newswire)

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A 55‑year‑old luxury bus driver from Okawela has died after a packet of ‘ICE’ narcotics hidden inside his stomach ruptured, causing fatal poisoning.

According to reports, the Police said the driver, who was employed on a bus operating along the Tangalle–Makumbura route of the Southern Expressway, suddenly fell seriously ill shortly after the bus reached its destination on Monday (08).

He was rushed to the Tangalle Base Hospital but succumbed while receiving treatment.

A post‑mortem examination conducted at the Tangalle Hospital yesterday revealed two drug packets had been ingested and were found inside his stomach. 

Medical officers confirmed that one packet had burst, releasing the substance into his bloodstream and leading to his death.

The Police have launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Police in Kalutara South, together with officials from the National Transport Medical Institute, carried out a special operation on Tuesday (19) to check passenger bus drivers and conductors for narcotic use.

According to the Police, the operation was conducted under the instructions of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety. 

During the inspections, eight bus drivers and one conductor were found to be under the influence of drugs while engaged in passenger transport services.

The suspects, aged between 35 and 57, are residents of Payagala, Yatiyana, Dodamgoda, Thebuwana, Meegahathenna, and Kalutara South. 

They were taken into custody and presented to the Kalutara South Police Station. 

Police said further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake says women drivers and conductors will soon be recruited into the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) public transport service.

He made this announcement on Tuesday (16) while attending a special program held at the Colombo District Secretariat.

Minister Rathnayake said that the SLTB has fallen into depths deeper than the Mariana trench, and that politicians are responsible for its destruction.

He further said that the SLTB depots in Sri Lanka have become hell on earth, riddled with shortcomings. 

However, he noted that steps have already been taken to modernize 25 bus depots.

Stating that 750 new drivers and conductors are being recruited to address the current shortage of SLTB staff, the minister affirmed that the SLTB is being rebuilt into a profitable institution. (Newswire)

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The Panadura Chief Magistrate has ordered the lifelong suspension of the licence of a bus driver for having driven a private bus while under the influence of alcohol, it was reported. 

Issuing the judgment, Panadura Chief Magistrate Champika Rajapaksa also imposed a fine on the accused.

The accused, who had been transporting employees of a private organization from Panadura to Kalutara, had been inspected by the Police.

As the smell of alcohol had lingered on him, the Police had investigated him further, during which it was confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol. 

Based on the argument that the driver had risked the lives of his passengers, the Panadura Chief Magistrate suspended his licence and imposed a fine. (Newswire)

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