Sri Lanka will require all school vans to install CCTV systems as part of a new safety initiative, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake announced in Parliament.
The Minister said reports of harassment in public transport have risen, particularly affecting women and children, and emphasized that the government is taking steps to curb such incidents. New guidelines for school and office transport services are set to come into effect in January 2026.
Highlighting the need for public responsibility, Rathnayake stated that passenger safety improves when bystanders are willing to intervene. He noted that fear and longstanding challenges within the transport sector have often discouraged people from stepping in when they witness misconduct.
The Minister also reaffirmed ongoing efforts to professionalize Sri Lanka’s bus and three-wheeler sectors, aiming to move the industry toward safer and more accountable standards.
