Four bus drivers found using drugs during testing at Makumbura

A special random drug testing program targeting public transport drivers at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center yesterday (16) confirmed that four drivers had been using dangerous narcotics. The operation was carried out under the Road Safety Plan of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, with the National Transport Medical Institute leading the initiative. A team headed by Dr. N.A. Abeysekara conducted the examinations inside the Institute’s mobile laboratory bus. Around 150 bus drivers and assistants were tested during the morning program, which forms part of a nationwide campaign to ensure a disciplined, drug‑free workforce in public transport. According to the Transport Ministry, the program aims to reduce road accidents and restore discipline among drivers, stressing that those identified as drug users will face maximum punishment under institutional regulations as well as legal action under common law. The Ministry of Transport, Sri Lanka Police, and the National Transport Medical Institute are jointly supporting the initiative, which is expected to expand island‑wide to build a safe and reliable public transport system. (Newswire)