Sri Lanka Launches National Crackdown on Drug-Impaired Driving in Public Transport

By Lions Roar International Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Monday, January 26, 2026) — The Sri Lankan government has declared a major offensive against drug abuse within the public transport sector. Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, announced a comprehensive national program aimed at eliminating drug-impaired bus drivers and conductors to ensure passenger safety.

The initiative is a joint operation between the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Transport, and the Sri Lanka Police, following alarming data regarding road fatalities and narcotics use among transport workers.

🚨 Shocking Test Results: 1 in 6 Drivers Positive

The urgency of the crackdown was underscored by recent pilot testing in Colombo using mobile laboratories.

Random Testing: Minister Rathnayake revealed that during initial screenings this week, 10 out of 59 drivers tested positive for narcotics.
Legal Teeth: Police now have full legal authority to conduct random drug tests on all transport staff.
The “Saliva” Method: Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the government is strengthening testing methods, including saliva-based kits, and is prepared to amend laws to impose harsher penalties for drug-impaired driving.

📈 The Deadly Cost of Road Accidents

The government provided grim statistics to highlight the necessity of this “zero-tolerance” policy.

2025 Death Toll: Over 2,700 lives were lost in road accidents last year, including nearly 1,800 pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Daily Fatality Rate: On average, 7 to 8 people die daily on Sri Lankan roads.
2026 Start: In the first 22 days of 2026 alone, 480 drivers have already been arrested for drug use, during a period that saw 135 reported accidents.

📋 Government Directives for Bus Owners

Minister Rathnayake issued a stern warning to private bus owners and associations:

Purge the Staff: Immediately remove any drivers or conductors known to use narcotics.
Professional Hiring: Recruit only trained, physically fit, and disciplined individuals.
Safety First: Maintain high professional standards to protect passengers, the economy, and the social fabric of the country.

📊 National Safety Program: 2026 Overview

Category	Data / Action
Primary Goal	Create a disciplined, drug-free transport workforce.
New Tech	Saliva-based mobile testing kits and mobile labs.
Recent Arrests	480 drivers (Jan 1 – Jan 22, 2026).
Fatalities (2025)	2,700+ total (8 per day average).
Key Partners	Sri Lanka Police & Ministry of Public Security.

🛡️ A Vision for 2026

“The transport sector is facing a serious crisis due to alcohol and drug use,” Rathnayake stated. The 2026 National Accident Prevention Program aims to transform Sri Lanka’s roads into a safer environment for all citizens by enforcing strict discipline and modernizing surveillance.