11 bus drivers booked for overcrowding

He said the Colombo City Traffic Police has commenced a special operation to check public transport buses to nab those violating the health guidelines.

He pointed out that public transport buses are not allowed to carry passengers exceeding the number of seats available.

He said the Traffic Police would continue the operation in Colombo and adjoining areas in the coming days.

He also said that 113 persons were arrested by the Police on Tuesday for violating the quarantine regulations. The total number of persons arrested by the Police for similar offences has exceeded 53,000.

He also said that 193 persons in 53 vehicles were turned back at the entry and exit points to the Western Province on Tuesday as the inter-provincial travel ban has not been completely lifted yet.

Meanwhile, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama has informed the IGP to conduct raids to arrest the private and SLTB bus drivers and conductors who transport the passengers exceeding the approved number of passengers.

They will be produced before Courts and sent for quarantining. Their permits will also be suspended. There were many complaints on overcrowding in public transport buses and trains in the last few days.