By The Pulseline News Desk
The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced plans to expand its mobile drug testing programme for drivers and conductors across the country as part of a broader effort to improve road safety and ensure a safer public transport service.
The initiative, which was launched in November last year, will be doubled in scale before the end of 2025 and extended beyond the Western Province, according to officials.
National Transport Medical Institute Chairman Professor Clifford Perera has told the media that 5,242 drivers and conductors in the Western Province have undergone drug screening so far. Of those tested, 239 were confirmed to have used narcotic substances and have been referred for legal action.
Professor Perera stressed that eliminating drug-impaired driving is essential to reducing road accidents, deaths and permanent disabilities. He said the programme is intended not only to identify offenders but also to promote greater awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs.
Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority Chairman Gamini Jasinghe said approximately 11,000 drivers and conductors are employed in passenger transport services in the province. While the majority are not drug users, he noted that the testing programme is aimed at identifying those who pose a risk to public safety.
Meanwhile, National Council on Road Safety Chairman Manjula Kularatne said the mobile drug testing unit was introduced as a long-term component of the country’s national road safety strategy.
He said more than 15,000 checks have already been carried out under the programme and that authorities plan to further expand operations islandwide as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
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