On January 4, Norton Bridge Police conducted a surprise inspection of private buses and vans carrying pilgrims to Sri Pada. The operation, carried out near the Wimalasurendra Reservoir as part of the Clean Sri Lanka program, aimed to ensure compliance with safety standards.
During the inspection, police identified multiple safety violations on several private buses transporting pilgrims. Drivers were instructed to remove hazardous additional parts attached to the buses. In cases where violations were deemed serious, revenue licenses were confiscated until compliance could be verified.
Vans transporting pilgrims were also inspected, with officers highlighting issues such as illegally installed extra lights and worn-out tires. Drivers were directed to replace defective tires and rectify the lighting irregularities. Similar to the buses, income certificates of non-compliant vans were seized.
This proactive measure underscores the authorities’ commitment to passenger safety, particularly during the pilgrimage season, when increased vehicular traffic poses heightened risks.
