Sri Lanka Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations that private bus drivers are deliberately causing accidents involving newly introduced Metro buses operating on seven routes in Colombo.
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera, who oversees Traffic Control and Road Safety, said several incidents involving collisions between private buses and Metro buses had been reported, raising suspicions of a possible organised attempt to disrupt the service.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Maharagama Police Station, the DIG said incidents had been reported near Millennium City in Athurugiriya, Rajagiriya, Makumbura, Kesbewa, Borella and Kollupitiya.
He revealed that a private bus driver involved in incidents near Millennium City and Rajagiriya had allegedly been operating without a valid passenger transport permit.
In a separate incident in Makumbura, a private bus driver was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol and driving without a valid driving licence.
The DIG further alleged that some private bus operators were obstructing Metro buses from stopping to pick up passengers, potentially disrupting the newly introduced service.
He said the investigation was launched on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police to determine whether the incidents were linked to an organised campaign involving multiple individuals.
Police warned that anyone found deliberately damaging Metro buses could face legal action under the Public Property Act. Strict action would also be taken against drivers found operating vehicles without valid driving licences.
The Metro bus service was introduced to improve public transport facilities and ease traffic congestion in Colombo. Police said investigations were continuing into the reported incidents.
