The government is preparing to introduce a mandatory pre-departure inspection for all long-distance buses before commencing their journeys.
According to reports, this initiative is scheduled to begin at the start of next month. In the first phase, the program will be implemented under the supervision of the National Transport Commission, focusing on the Bastian Mawatha bus terminal in Colombo and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center.
Long-distance excursion and tour buses will also be subject to this inspection. Accordingly, no approval will be granted for any special long-distance tour without undergoing the mandatory condition check.
Under the proposed procedure, buses operating on routes exceeding 100 kilometers will be required to obtain a fitness certificate at least 48 hours before departure.
The Department of Motor Traffic has announced that a circular with the necessary guidelines will be issued soon. As the program expands nationwide, vehicle repair and service centers will be inspected by the Department of Motor Traffic, and authorized centers will be empowered to issue the required fitness certificates.
