COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Police will introduce on-site drug-testing kits within the next two to three months as part of efforts to curb driving under the influence of narcotics, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said on Monday.
Weerasooriya said police had observed a shift in the causes of serious road accidents, with narcotics use becoming an increasing concern. A recent pilot operation targeting buses found that more than 5 percent of drivers tested had been under the influence of narcotics, he said.
At present, suspected drug-impaired drivers must be referred for medical testing, unlike alcohol cases, which can often be detected at the scene. Police have made drug testing mandatory for drivers involved in serious accidents, Weerasooriya said.
He said alcohol and drug use, reckless driving, speeding and traffic violations remained major causes of fatal accidents.
Sri Lanka has recorded 1,849 fatal accidents so far in 2026. Compared with the same period last year, fatal accidents have increased by eight and deaths by 16, he said. - Xinhua
