Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament today that passenger buses, school and staff transport vehicles, and long-distance excursion vehicles will be required to undergo a basic roadworthiness fitness test every three months or prior to completing 5,000 kilometres.

Addressing Parliament, Bimal Rathnayake explained that a gazette containing the proposal has been presented for parliamentary approval. He clarified that the mandatory requirement applies specifically to vehicles used for passenger transport—including office vans, school transport, and vehicles hired for trips—while private vehicles used strictly for personal travel will remain exempt.

The Minister stated that the routine check will not be as costly as the standard annual fitness inspection, estimating the fee to range between 1,500 and 2,000 rupees. The initiative is also expected to create new employment opportunities within the automotive sector, as any technician holding a National Vocational Qualification Level 4 (NVQ 4) certification will be permitted to perform checks at registered garages.

Highlighting the necessity of the measure, Bimal Rathnayake noted that investigations into major crashes, such as the fatal accidents in Ella and at Garandi Ella in Kothmale, identified brake failure as a primary factor. He revealed that an investigation into one crash discovered a vehicle had its brakes completely closed off on one side for an entire year, while police recently impounded vehicles with brake lines improvised using garden watering hoses.

Emphasising that long-distance leisure trips should not end in tragedy, Bimal Rathnayake reiterated that the initiative aims to establish a culture of basic vehicle safety without imposing an excessive financial burden on vehicle operators.