By Ranjith Rajapaksa

A total of 12 buses and vans used for transporting school children, which were deemed unfit for service, were removed from operation this morning. The decision was made by Nuwara Eliya District Chief Vehicle Inspector, Daminda Dissanayaka.

The Traffic Division Officers of the Hatton Police had instructed the Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector to inspect 30 private buses and vans used for daily school transport from areas such as Maskeliya, Samimale, Bogawanthalawa, Norton Bridge, Talawakele, Kotagala and others, for any deficiencies.

Over a 14-day period, strict inspections were carried out on vehicles transporting school children in these areas, revealing issues with 12 of them. The inspector conducting the checks removed these vehicles from service and confiscated their revenue licenses.

The inspections were initiated after parents of school children using these vehicles reported their concerns to the local police.