September 21, Colombo (LNW): All individuals operating passenger transport vehicles will be required to hold a valid Public Transport (PT) Licence by December 31, according to Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake.
The announcement was made during a meeting held in Ampara yesterday (20), where the Minister outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving safety and accountability in the public transport sector.
The PT Licence, which will serve as a formal authorisation for drivers responsible for carrying passengers, is being introduced to ensure that only qualified and disciplined individuals are entrusted with the lives of commuters.
Minister Rathnayake confirmed that the necessary administrative groundwork for the new licensing system is already underway, with full enforcement expected before the year’s end.
Highlighting broader concerns about road safety, the Minister also addressed the mandatory implementation of seat belts in all passenger vehicles. While acknowledging that some older buses were manufactured without built-in restraints, he revealed that retrofitting efforts are currently being carried out to bring these vehicles up to standard.
Expressing serious concerns over irresponsible behaviour by some drivers, Rathnayake pointed out instances where individuals had attempted to deceive authorities by fastening school bag straps in place of proper seat belts.
“We cannot allow the safety of fifty passengers to be compromised by the recklessness of a few,” he stated. “This is precisely why we are determined to ensure that only those who demonstrate a clear sense of responsibility and professionalism are permitted to operate public transport vehicles.”
The Minister reiterated that failure to comply with the new licensing requirement by December 31 deadline would result in strict penalties, and urged all drivers currently engaged in passenger services to initiate the application process without delay.
