Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, MP Najith Indika, says the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board must take the lead in streamlining the procurement process and easing existing legal barriers related to importing equipment used to test drivers for drug use.

These matters were taken up during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Najith Indika recently (20).

The Committee reviewed the progress of the 2025 budget proposals and special project implementations of the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils & Local Government.

Officials from the Sri Lanka Police Narcotics Bureau highlighted the difficulties in conducting roadside drug tests due to the lack of necessary equipment.

The Committee Chair noted that the government has prioritized eliminating drug abuse and stressed the importance of regulating drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of drugs. 

He further stated that essential equipment required to identify drug users must be made readily available and that legal barriers affecting their procurement process and importation should be addressed promptly.

Police officials also informed the Committee that notable progress has been made in implementing budgeted programmes related to drug prevention. 

Officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board briefed the Committee on the progress achieved under their purview as well. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Kumara Gunasena says 333 Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus drivers have been affected due to political appointments.

The Deputy Minister said SLTB drivers and conductors had been assigned to various non-related duties due to political interference.

He said, as such, the SLTB has decided to reassign drivers and conductors who were previously engaged in various other duties.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Kumara Gunasena announced that this decision comes into effect today.

Stating that the drivers will undergo the relevant medical examinations to ensure their fitness, he said they will be reassigned to their driving duties based on their results. (Newswire)

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