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Cops hold course despite whining from operators of unsafe private buses
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
The ongoing campaign to remove unauthorised modifications from private buses and three-wheelers has led to significant dissatisfaction among private bus owners, who argue that livelihoods are at stake.
Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners Association chairman Sarath Vijitha Kumara said livelihoods are at risk. “These businesses used to have a few buses parked on their premises every morning, but now, they are not seeing any at all.’’
He also criticised the programme for penalising drivers and conductors who already operate under challenging conditions. He said drivers lack essential facilities such as designated stopping areas or rest points. Despite driving long distances, they face penalties for minor actions like drinking water or adjusting their hair, which he deems unfair.
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- Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
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- While often considered aesthetic or functional enhancements, these modifications significantly compromise safety and increase risks for passengers and other road users
While acknowledging the importance of contributing to societal improvement, Mr. Kumara emphasised that bus operators had not been informed in advance. He called for a proper regulatory framework to address the broader issues in public transport. “We are willing to correct our flaws, but the regulatory bodies seem to be failing in their responsibilities. There needs to be a fair and effective system to manage these challenges,” he said.
Lanka Private Bus Owners Association president Gemunu Wijeratne criticised the government’s crackdown on unauthorised modifications, claiming it unfairly targets the private bus industry.
He noted that the Department of Motor Vehicles permits 18 types of spare parts and argued that recent measures are creating undue hardships for bus operators. He called for a balanced approach that ensures safety while supporting the sustainability of the industry.
Dr. Rohan Ruwanpura, consultant judicial medical officer (JMO) at Galle National Hospital, highlighted the dangers of unauthorised accessories in buses and three-wheelers and their contribution to accidents. While often considered aesthetic or functional enhancements, these modifications significantly compromise safety and increase risks for passengers and other road users.
In buses, items such as loud sound systems, flashing neon lights, and decorative additions on windshields distract drivers and reduce their focus. Obstructions from oversised stickers or curtains impair visibility, particularly at night or during adverse weather, making it harder to avoid collisions. Similarly, modifications in three-wheelers, such as elevated roofs or additional lighting, disrupt the vehicle’s balance and aerodynamics, heightening the risk of overturning or mishandling.
Dr. Ruwanpura said many modifications fail to meet safety regulations, creating hazardous conditions for passengers. Overcrowded, modified interiors or poorly secured add-ons can be fatal in accidents. He emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of vehicle regulations and increased driver awareness to mitigate risks and improve road safety.
Dr. Ruwanpura, as a JMO, has witnessed through postmortems that the cause of death is often a result of an accident. He notes that a significant number of these fatalities are due to unnecessary modifications made to public transport vehicles. These additional, often metallic, attachments can turn a simple accident into a deadly disaster.
For instance, Dr. Ruwanpura points out that the large side mirrors on private buses, can cause fatal injuries if they strike a person’s head. He also highlights the dangerous stainless-steel frames attached to the front and sides of seats and near the driver, which only makes the damage in an accident much worse.
He also noted the lack of space between bus seats. There should be regulations ensuring a standard gap between seats to improve safety as in other countries.
Private bus and three-wheeler owners across Sri Lanka have been given three months to remove unauthorised accessories on vehicles. This decision, introduced under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, aims to promote safety and orderliness on the country’s roads while addressing long-standing concerns regarding traffic violations and accidents caused by such modifications.
Three-wheeler associations also voiced concerns, pointing out the practical reasons behind some modifications.
“Many three-wheeler drivers use extended roofs or extra lights for nighttime operations and passenger convenience. Blanket bans on such accessories could hurt livelihoods. We urge authorities to provide clear guidelines and ensure fair enforcement,” said Sudhil Jayaruk, president of All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Three Wheeler Drivers and Owners’ Association.
Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena told the Sunday Times that while the law requiring the removal of unnecessary parts from all modes of public transport had existed, it had not been properly enforced, or regulated.
The government has given three months for private bus operators to remove unapproved decorative parts and accessories. During this time, the focus will be on educating bus drivers and owners about the regulations. After that, the law will be strictly enforced, he said.
Police Media Spokesman, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, said operations to enforce road discipline are carried out under existing laws, free from any political influence. As a part of this effort, the police have recently begun removing unsafe modifications and accessories from buses, three-wheelers, and other vehicles. These operations will continue.
SSP Manatunga also highlighted its positive impact, noting a reduction of four to five fatal accidents per day, along with a significant decline in other types of road accidents.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya clarified that any modifications contributing to accidents or worsening their severity will be removed by the police. For other accessories, bus owners have been given the option to either have them legally registered with the vehicle’s certification or remove them within the extended three-month period.
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