Nearly 18% of bus drivers tested positive for drugs in surprise inspection at Bastian Mawatha

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

A surprise inspection operation at the Bastian Mawatha private bus terminal has uncovered a startling trend in Sri Lanka’s public transport sector, with nearly 18% of drivers and conductors tested found to be under the influence of narcotics while on duty.   

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said that 10 out of 56 bus drivers tested during the inspection have been found to have used drugs.   

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has launched a mobile medical laboratory service on buses with National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), the National Transport Commission (NTC), the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), and the Sri Lanka Police to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The initiative is part of the National Road Safety Programme. The official launch took place on Wednesday (21) at the Bastian Mawatha Main Bus Stand in Colombo. The mobile labs currently test for four types of drugs, providing results within 2–3 minutes, with plans to expand testing to 12 drugs in the future.   

He said 2 individuals tested positive for ‘Ice’ (Methamphetamine) while 8 individuals tested positive for Cannabis (Ganja).   

The operation faced immediate challenges due to the tight-knit communication networks among private bus crews. It was reported that as the inspections began, word spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups and mobile networks.   

The Deputy Minister added that during the operation, it was observed that some drivers attempted to evade testing through various communication methods.   

“We noticed a significant drop in the number of buses entering the terminal after a short while. Drivers started diverting their routes to avoid the check. If a driver avoids a terminal knowing there is a drug test, it strongly suggests they have something to hide” he said.   

Dr. Gunasena said that finding drug use among 10 out of 56 drivers is a worrying figure and shows how serious the problem is. He said that public support and the cooperation of bus owners are important for the programme to succeed.   

He further said that passengers have the right to inform authorities if they suspect a driver is under the influence of drugs while driving, in the interest of public safety. Bus owners were also urged to remain vigilant about their employees and take responsibility for ensuring drug and alcohol-free driving.