44 vehicles, including buses, temporarily removed from Hatton-Kandy road

By Ranjith Rajapaksa

Colombo, June 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has temporarily removed 44 vehicles, including private vehicles, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses, from service following a special vehicle inspection conducted yesterday along the Hatton-Kandy main road.

The inspection was carried out on 115 vehicles operating on the Ginigathhena–Nawalapitiya main road in the Bagatholuwa area. The operation was conducted on the request of the Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector, in collaboration with the Officer-in-Charge of the Ginigathhena Police.

According to officials, the inspection was aimed at ensuring a safe, reliable and quality transport service while reducing the risk of road accidents in the region.

Vehicles found to be emitting excessive emissions, mechanical defects or other safety risks including 15 SLTB and private buses were ordered off the road. The annual revenue licenses of these vehicles were seized by DMT officials.

The owners of the affected vehicles have been instructed to carry out necessary repairs and present the vehicles for a follow-up inspection at the same location on June 30.

Authorities claimed that similar operations will continue in other areas as part of an ongoing campaign to enhance road safety and vehicle standards across the country.