Govt. to Regulate Tuk-Tuks, School Vans, Office Transport Services

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Transport Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena says that the long-awaited bill to regulate three-wheeler operations, school transport services, and office transport services will be presented to Parliament soon.

He noted that once the legislation is approved, authorities will finally have the legal power to bring these sectors under formal regulation.

Dr. Gunasena explained that Parliament recently amended the relevant Act to expand the authority of the National Transport Commission, enabling it to oversee three-wheelers, school buses, school vans, and office transport vehicles. He said all necessary specifications required for such regulation have already been completed.

According to the Deputy Minister, detailed standards have been drafted for vehicles involved in transporting schoolchildren, following extensive discussions with unions representing school transport operators. A similar consultative process has been carried out for those engaged in office transport services.

He added that talks with three-wheeler associations are yet to begin formally, but the foundational guidelines have already been prepared.

Once consensus is reached among all stakeholders, the government will present the bill to Parliament, issue the gazette, and convert it into law. Dr. Gunasena said that only after this legal framework is in place will authorities be able to regulate school bus drivers, three-wheeler operators, and office transport services effectively.