Over 10 bus drivers, conductors test positive in random drug screening at Maharagama

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - Thirteen bus drivers and conductors tested positive for narcotic drug use during a surprise screening programme conducted at the Navinna bus stand in Maharagama on Tuesday (23).

The mobile drug testing programme, carried out under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development’s national initiative to enhance the safety and efficiency of public transport, screened 200 drivers and conductors from both the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses operating under the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority.

Medical Officer J.M. Lionel of the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) said 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 expanded to various locations across the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts as part of efforts to ensure safer public transport services.