Sri Lanka Police are investigating whether a series of collisions involving private buses and newly introduced Metro buses in Colombo are part of a coordinated attempt to disrupt the service.
The latest incident occurred on October 8 in Athurugiriya, when a private bus travelling on the Athurugiriya–Pettah route collided with a Metro bus operating on the Millennium City–Pettah route near the ‘170’ bus stop.
The collision occurred after the private bus reversed onto the main road from the Athurugiriya bus stand.
Following an inspection by Athurugiriya Police and a Motor Traffic Examiner, the private bus was temporarily barred from operating due to inadequate maintenance.
Police have obtained CCTV footage and are preparing to present the relevant facts before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today (October 9). Drug tests confirmed that neither driver had used narcotic substances.
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera said similar incidents had been reported in several Colombo locations, including Rajagiriya, Makumbura, Kesbewa, Borella and Kollupitiya. He also alleged that some private bus operators were preventing Metro buses from picking up passengers.
The DIG revealed that certain drivers had allegedly operated without the required permits or valid licences, while one driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police to determine whether the incidents were part of an organised effort to disrupt the service.
Police warned that those found deliberately damaging Metro buses could face legal action under the Public Property Act.
