Private bus driver arrested following reckless road race in Kotavila

Colombo, July 03 (Daily Mirror) - Police have taken a private bus into custody and arrested its driver following a viral video showing a highly dangerous and competitive incident of reckless driving. 

The event, which involved a private passenger bus and a state-run Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus, took place in the Kotavila area along the Galle-Midigama road.

According to DIG of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, the incident occurred on July 1 at approximately 4:30 PM. The video footage shows the private bus aggressively blocking the SLTB bus, repeatedly shifting from the left lane to the right lane to prevent it from overtaking. 

Following an investigation triggered by the viral footage, the Matara Division Traffic Police tracked down and seized the private bus. The driver was arrested and is set to be produced before the Matara Magistrate's Court. Investigators revealed that the driver had a history of dangerous driving violations, having previously had a temporary driving permit issued against him by the Galle Harbour Police for similar offenses.

In addition to charges of reckless driving and traffic violations, Police are subjecting the driver to a drug test to determine if he was operating the vehicle under the influence. The police have also ordered a complete technical evaluation of the bus by a motor vehicle inspector to investigate unauthorized modifications and assess its overall roadworthiness.