Drug Test mandatory for heavy vehicle drivers from today: Dilum

Drug Test for heavy vehicle drivers to obtain their driving licences has been made compulsory from today at the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) for the first time in the transport history, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

While inaugurating the ceremony at the NTMI, Nugegoda, the State Minister said that the Medical test would be made compulsory for the drivers who are expecting to obtain their new driving licences and during renewals.

State Minister Amunugama said the main objective of introducing such tests was due to several complaints have been received from the passengers as most of the drivers drive the passenger buses after consuming alcohol or chewing various kinds of drugs and other substances. This drive would also help minimize accidents.

Medical certificates will not be issued to those who have failed in this medical tests and thereby they will not be eligible to obtain driving licenses, the minister added.

The Drug Test will be conducted at every branch office of the National Transport Medical Institute islandwide, the State Minister said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Pix by Transport Media