Bus drivers at Colombo Fort underwent urgent on-site drug and alcohol testing today as part of a new safety initiative by the National Transport Commission (NTC), the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), and the Sri Lanka Police.
The checks were conducted in a mobile medical laboratory bus, where drivers’ urine samples were screened for alcohol and four other types of drugs. Authorities took action against drivers based on the test results.
The testing forms part of the National Road Safety Program, launched by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, aimed at reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.
Under previous regulations, penalties were only applied to drivers found under the influence of alcohol. The program will now expand under the newly proposed Motor Vehicle Regulations Series, submitted by Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake for approval under the Motor Vehicles Act, to cover other drugs as well.
Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve traffic safety and ensure responsible driving practices across the country.
