Thirteen bus drivers and conductors tested positive for drug use during a random screening programme conducted at the Navinna bus stand in Maharagama on Tuesday (23), as part of an ongoing initiative to improve the safety of public transport system of the country.
The mobile drug testing programme, implemented under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development’s national programme to enhance the safety and efficiency of public transport, screened 200 drivers and conductors attached to both the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses operating under the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority.
According to Medical Officer J.M. Lionel of the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), urine samples collected between 9.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon confirmed that 13 individuals had used narcotic substances.
The random mobile drug testing programme was launched in November 2025 at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre and has since been conducted across the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts.
NTMI Chairman Prof. Clifford Perera said that between January and June 12, 2026, a total of 4,322 bus drivers and conductors had been screened, with 226 testing positive for one or more drugs, including ICE, heroin, cannabis and barbiturates.
The mobile testing programme was conducted by medical and laboratory staff of the National Transport Medical Institute, with assistance from officers of the Maharagama Police Traffic Division. (Newswire)