• Cite inexperienced drivers as a risk factor 

Private bus owners noted that paying attention to increasing the road capacity is a key step in improving road safety, especially concerning buses.

In the backdrop of the recent accident in Ella that claimed the lives of 15 persons who were on a bus, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association’s Chairperson Gemunu Wijeratne further told The Daily Morning that drivers’ experience is also a concern. 

“Experience is necessary for drivers to operate buses on such roads. Ordinary (passenger transporting) buses don’t get into accidents like this as they are experienced. When drivers are inexperienced, chances are that they get into accidents.”

He further pointed to unnecessary and obstructing modifications made to buses as a key concern, also adding that this has been allowed through a circular.

Meanwhile, with regard to doing away with unnecessary and obstructing accessories installed on buses, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Government has decided to enforce the Motor Traffic Act, while also acknowledging that the abovementioned circular has allowed such modifications. 

During the weekly Cabinet press briefing held yesterday (9), he further said: “We arrived at a decision to abolish the circular in question, and to take action in accordance with the Motor Traffic Act. Around 50 modified buses have been reported. Instructions have been issued to remove them. Kindly adhere to this law, as it is important for us to protect people’s lives.”

With regard to the quality of services offered by Sri Lanka Transport (SLTB)-owned buses and vans transporting schoolchildren, especially concerning safety, Dr. Jayatissa said that as replacing dilapidated SLTB buses will take time, it is crucial to adhere to existing motor traffic laws aimed at ensuring safety.

Attempts to contact the National Council for Road Safety in this regard were not successful.