Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been instructed to take legal action against the driver of a container truck seen recklessly driving and harassing a bus on the expressway.
Video footage of the incident shows the container forcing the bus out of its lane and driving dangerously close, pushing the vehicle toward the railings and endangering passengers.
Addressing Parliament, Minister Ratnayake said many road accidents are caused by reckless driving, often linked to drug and alcohol use, illegal racing, and driver fatigue due to lack of sleep. Referring to the recent incident, he said the container driver attempted to force the bus aside for allegedly obstructing its path, prompting authorities to inform the IGP to arrest the driver involved.
The Minister also announced the introduction of a new Public Transport Licence (PT Licence) aimed at reducing such incidents. All drivers engaged in public transportation, including school transport and taxi services, will be required to obtain this licence after completing a mandatory two-day training programme. He noted that while passenger transport licences will be issued to drivers aged 25 and above, school transport licences will only be granted to those aged 30 and above.
In addition, Minister Ratnayake revealed plans to introduce a licence demerit point system, under which points will be deducted for each traffic violation. Licences of drivers who repeatedly commit offences will eventually be cancelled, he said.
