---

– The Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry has intensified a special programme to identify public transport drivers and conductors using dangerous drugs, as part of its ongoing Road Safety Plan aimed at improving passenger safety and service standards.A fresh round of random drug testing was conducted this morning (26) at the Nugegoda bus stand, where 172 bus drivers and conductors were subjected to screening. Of them, five individuals were confirmed to have used dangerous drugs.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of a team led by Dr. Lionel Muhandiramge, Medical Officer of the National Institute of Transport Medicine, using the institute’s mobile laboratory unit. The exercise was implemented jointly with the Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority and the Sri Lanka Police.Officials stated that similar islandwide inspections will continue in the coming months as part of an expanded enforcement drive.Road Inspector K.V. Samintha of the Western Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority said buses will not be permitted to operate without valid drug test reports in the future.

“We have been conducting these tests for the past five months. Our main objective is to identify drivers currently using drugs, remove them from the road, and help rehabilitate them rather than immediately punishing them,” he said.

He further said that a certification system is being introduced, under which drivers and conductors will only be allowed to resume duties after receiving clearance reports confirming whether they have used drugs or not. Testing is provided free of charge, and authorities say the program will be expanded nationwide.

Strict legal action will also be taken against individuals identified as drug users under both corporate regulations and applicable national laws, officials added.The operation was conducted under the broader Road Safety Plan of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, which aims to eliminate substance abuse among public transport workers and ensure safer travel for passengers across the country.

The Nugegoda operation took place at the Nugegoda Bus Stand.