Emergency drug testing for bus drivers conducted in Colombo Fort

Colombo, Jan. 21 (Daily Mirror) - The National Transport Commission (NTC), National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), and Sri Lanka Police conducted urgent on-site drug and alcohol tests for bus drivers today at Colombo Fort.

The initiative is part of the National Road Safety Program launched by the Transport, Highways, and Urban Development Ministry. Drivers’ urine samples were examined in a bus equipped with a mobile medical laboratory, with tests covering alcohol and four other types of drugs. Appropriate action was taken against drivers based on the test results.

Previously, penalties were only applied to drivers found under the influence of alcohol. However, under the newly proposed Motor Vehicle Regulations Series, submitted by Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake for approval under the Motor Vehicles Act, the program will expand to include other drugs and is set to continue as part of the ongoing road safety measures.

Authorities said the initiative aims to strengthen traffic safety and prevent accidents caused by drug or alcohol-impaired driving.