Update: Travel ban on private bus that damaged Metro bus by hitting it twice

As a result of a series of alleged sabotage acts launched by some private buses targeting the newly introduced Metro buses for passenger transport, authorities have taken steps to impose a temporary driving ban on a private bus that collided with a Metro bus in the Athurugiriya area.

The accident occurred around 5:20 AM on the 8th, in front of the 170 bus stop in Athurugiriya town. The private bus bearing 'NC-9510', operating from Athurugiriya to Pettah, collided with the Metro bus bearing 'CM 02', which was traveling from Millennium City via Athurugiriya to Colombo, when the private bus was reversing across the main road to park at the bus stop. Following the accident, the private bus blocked the road for about half an hour, causing severe inconvenience to passengers commuting for morning duties.

Sources indicate that this incident is not an isolated accident. It is reported that three days prior to this accident, the same private bus deliberately broke a side mirror of a Metro bus. An opinion has now emerged that if the law had been properly enforced against the bus in the first instance, this second accident could have been avoided. It has also been expressed that no one has the right to destroy such public property, which is maintained with public tax money, and that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted against the bus mafia involved, with severe penalties imposed.

Regarding the accident, the private bus involved has been subjected to a special inspection under a Motor Vehicle Inspector, initiated by the Athurugiriya Police Station. As it was confirmed that the bus was not properly maintained, the Motor Vehicle Inspector proceeded to impose this temporary driving ban.

Meanwhile, the drivers of both buses involved in the accident have been subjected to drug tests, and police state that investigation reports have confirmed that neither driver had used drugs. All facts related to this incident, along with CCTV footage clearly showing how the accident occurred, are scheduled to be reported to the Kaduwela Magistrate's Court today (09).