When the bus was taken to the police to complain against the passengers, the driver and conductor who smoked ganja were arrested.

A private bus driver and conductor who came to the Ahungalla Police to lodge a complaint against passengers were arrested on the spot and released on police bail. The Ahungalla Police stated that they are scheduled to be produced before the court on January 6th.

The reason for this incident is that the private bus, which was traveling from Colombo to Galle on the evening of December 23rd, was speeding excessively. Although passengers repeatedly requested the driver to reduce the bus's speed, the driver did not listen. Due to this, enraged passengers assaulted the driver, and to prevent further assault from the passengers and to lodge a complaint against them, the driver brought the bus to the Ahungalla Police.

However, when the driver lodged a complaint with the police, all the passengers on the bus accused the driver and conductor of negligent behavior. Accordingly, the police arrested the driver and conductor, released them on police bail, and took steps to produce them before the court. When inquired about this, the Acting OIC of Ahungalla Police, Police Inspector Wimalaratne, stated as follows.

“When the bus arrived at the police station around 6:30 PM on December 23rd to lodge complaints, all the passengers on board filed complaints against the driver and conductor. After passing Aluthgama, the bus was speeding excessively. Passengers stated that they were unable to even sit in their seats and fell, and when the brakes were applied suddenly, they fell inside the bus. Therefore, they had requested to reduce the speed.”

“However, when the driver ignored them and drove the bus at high speed, all the passengers had an altercation with the driver. The police are always committed to public safety. When a public complaint is received, the police take the side of the public. Accordingly, the police arrested the driver and conductor along with the bus. When the driver was presented to the Judicial Medical Officer at Balapitiya Base Hospital, it was reported that he had consumed cannabis. The driver and conductor have been released on police bail and are scheduled to be produced before the court on January 6th. The vehicle will also be presented for inspection.”

“At the time of these arrests, I faced various pressures and threats. However, we are committed to ensuring public safety. That is how we acted,” the Acting OIC further stated.