Sri Lanka has launched a pilot project to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to intercity private buses, in a move aimed at improving the safety of passengers and drivers.
The initiative, launched under the guidance of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake and Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena, is coordinated by the National Council for Road Safety and implemented by the National Transport Commission.
As the first phase, AI-based equipment was installed today in long-distance private buses at the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo.
The technology will initially be introduced to 10 buses. Authorities will assess its effectiveness and operational performance before considering an islandwide expansion.
The AI system will continuously monitor the driver and the interior of the bus during journeys. It is designed to detect risky behaviour such as driver fatigue or drowsiness, mobile phone use while driving and failure to wear a seatbelt.
When unsafe behaviour is detected, the system will issue voice alerts to drivers, allowing them to take corrective action.
Officials said the technology is not intended to penalize drivers, but to help prevent accidents by identifying dangerous behaviour in real time.
