Govt approves committee to study bus modifications’ impact on passenger security

The government has granted approval to appoint a committee to study the impact of bus decorations and modifications on passenger security, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing the media, he said that the Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to a proposal presented by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister to establish a committee representing all relevant institutions, including the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry. 

The committee will be responsible for submitting a report with recommendations on appropriate measures to address this issue.

"Changes in bus design and modifications must be made with prior approval from the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, in accordance with orders issued under the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.

"Accordingly, the Motor Vehicles (Construction) Orders, first published in 1983, have been amended periodically, and regulations regarding permissible modifications have been published in Gazette Notifications," he said.

"In recent years, in addition to the installation of vehicle components and structural modifications allowed under these orders, the Department of Motor Traffic has developed a set of guidelines for bus decoration and component modifications. These guidelines have been implemented through an internal procedure and issued via an internal circular," the spokesman added.

However, he noted that the relevant orders have yet to be officially published under the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.