In the span of just a few weeks, Sri Lanka’s headlines have been filled with stories no one wants to read: state buses veering off cliffs, commuters injured in collisions, and families mourning the loss of loved ones taken too soon. In May alone, two major public transport accidents shook the nation, sparking urgent conversations around the safety of our buses, roads, and public transport system as a whole.
These incidents aren’t isolated. They’re symptoms of a long-standing issue that’s been neglected for too long — and now, it’s costing lives.
A Wake-Up Call We Can’t Ignore
On May 11, tragedy struck in Kotmale when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus carrying nearly 50 passengers crashed off a steep road, killing at least 21 people. The very next day, another accident in Aladeniya left 37 injured — many of them schoolchildren. As photos and videos circulated online, the horror felt all too familiar. We’ve seen this before. The same scenes. The same apologies. The same promises of “investigation” and “compensation.”
But the deeper issue remains unaddressed: the public transport system in Sri Lanka is fundamentally unsafe. It’s broken — and it’s failing the very people who depend on it every single day.
The State of Our Buses: A Ticking Time Bomb
Let’s be honest. A large portion of SLTB buses and private buses on our roads today are in poor condition. From faulty brakes to bald tires and worn-out steering systems, many of these vehicles wouldn’t pass a proper safety inspection. Yet they’re out there, every day, ferrying people to work, school, and home.
Regular inspections are either not happening or are treated as a formality. And when an accident occurs, it’s too late.
Drivers, too, are under immense pressure. Long hours, poor training, and unrealistic route expectations often lead to reckless behavior. Some are hired without proper vetting or experience. Others take shortcuts in the name of efficiency — sometimes literally.
Roads That Don’t Forgive Mistakes
While driver error and vehicle maintenance are key issues, Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure also plays a major role in this crisis. Narrow, winding roads in hilly areas, lack of proper signage, blind curves, and insufficient guardrails all contribute to dangerous driving conditions — especially for large buses.
In many accident-prone zones, you’ll find no speed bumps, no early warning signs, no lighting. A single miscalculation on these roads can lead to catastrophe.
Who’s Accountable? Everyone and No One
One of the most frustrating realities in Sri Lanka is that after every accident, we hear the same tired statements: “We will investigate.” “Action will be taken.” “Families will be compensated.” But beyond the press briefings, very little changes.
Regulatory bodies often lack coordination and enforcement power. There’s no centralized mechanism to ensure transport safety standards are actually followed. Meanwhile, commuters — especially those in rural and lower-income areas — have no choice but to keep using unsafe buses, day after day.
And let’s not forget: transport workers are also at risk. They too are victims of a system that demands performance but offers little support or training.
What Can Be Done: Beyond Bandaids
If Sri Lanka is serious about protecting its citizens, we need bold, structural reform. Not band-aid solutions. Not another committee or task force that releases a report and fades away. Here’s what needs to happen:
- Strict Enforcement of Safety Standards
Every public and private bus must undergo regular, independent safety inspections — with real consequences for non-compliance. Corruption and negligence within the inspection system must be rooted out.
- Driver Training and Certification
We need a mandatory, updated driver training curriculum for all public transport drivers, including defensive driving, passenger safety, and fatigue management. Drivers should also be required to take periodic assessments to maintain their licenses.
- Upgrade Infrastructure in High-Risk Areas
From proper barriers to clear road signs and lighting, investing in safer infrastructure — especially in hilly regions — can drastically reduce the risk of serious accidents.
- Digitize the Transport System
GPS monitoring, digital route tracking, and centralized complaint systems can improve accountability. Real-time data helps authorities spot patterns and take action before an accident occurs.
- Public Awareness Campaigns
It’s not just about the transport services. Passengers must also understand their rights and responsibilities. Campaigns on safety, reporting bad driving, and emergency procedures can empower the public to demand better.
Economic Cost vs. Human Cost
It’s easy to say that fixing all this costs money. But what about the cost of doing nothing?
Every serious public transport accident means lives lost, medical bills, legal action, and long-term trauma for families. It means missed work days, funerals, and fear. It also damages tourism and investor confidence — especially when such stories hit international headlines.
Transport safety isn’t just a social issue. It’s an economic one. It’s a governance one. And it’s a human one.
Trust Can Be Rebuilt — But Only Through Action
Sri Lankans deserve a transport system that doesn’t gamble with their lives. Whether they’re students commuting to school, parents heading to work, or tourists exploring our island, no one should board a bus wondering if they’ll make it home safely.
We have the blueprints — the National Road Safety Action Plan (2020–2030) already outlines much of what needs to be done. But policies are only as good as their implementation.
This is a chance for Sri Lanka to lead by example. To show that human life matters more than profit or political convenience. To say: enough is enough.
Conclusion: The Time is Now
Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about safety, dignity, and trust. In a country where public transport is the lifeline for millions, reform is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
If we wait for the next tragedy to act, we’re not just failing as a nation — we’re accepting a future where these headlines become normal.
Let’s not go down that road.
