Mobile drug-testing program begins for public transport drivers

Colombo, January 8 (Daily Mirror) - A new drug-testing program for public transport drivers was launched today at the Mattakkuliya depot of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), aimed at ensuring a safer, drug-free transport system across the country.

The program, implemented with the full involvement of the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), used a mobile medical research vehicle to collect urine samples from drivers and conductors. The tests can detect four types of dangerous drugs, cannabis, ice, babul, and heroin, with results provided within just 10 minutes.

Chief Medical Officer of NTMI, K.S.M. Samarasekara, said, “The main objective of implementing this program is to make public transport drivers drug-free. This is vital to reducing daily accidents. Today, we began at the Mattakkuliya depot, and in the future, we hope to expand this initiative islandwide.”

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Senadheera emphasized the importance of starting the inspections with the SLTB, noting that the program could serve as a model for the rest of the country. He expressed appreciation for the SLTB’s cooperation. He assured that the Sri Lanka Police will fully support the initiative, which aims to create a transport service free from alcohol and drugs. He also thanked the Ministry of Transport for its role in facilitating the program.