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Travelling by bus in Sri Lanka not safe, claims tourist
A Russian tourist claimed that travelling on public transport in Sri Lanka is very dangerous to their lives as they travel at high speeds.
Her experience was lodged as a complaint to the tourist police in Polonnaruwa.
She did not reveal her identity but said that she had come to Polonnaruwa from Colombo by bus to see the beauty of the country.
There she explained her bad experience on her way to Polonnaruwa.
"The bus was travelling at 95Kmph and sometimes exceeded 100kmph on the main road. I recorded the speed using my google map application. The bus was driving at 100kmph most of the time. I told the driver to slow down and get us safely to Polonnaruwa. But he did not talk or listen to us. When we talked to him the speed was around 70, 75 and 80 Kmph. The bus was like flying and overtook other vehicles recklessly by bending the bus sideways.
"It is very dangerous to our lives. We don't want to die, we are just tourists and we want to see Sri Lanka. I was very scared and cried in the bus, I even talked to my mom and told that the buses in Sri Lanka drive while risking peoples' lives.
"Now I need to go to Kandy and I need a bus with a normal driver who can take us to Kandy safely, not at a 100Kmph speed. I don't want a crazy guy," the female tourist claimed.
She requested those in authority to apply rules imposing speed limits for buses to drive in town areas and outside the towns and not to exceed 60Kmph.
"Everytime I get on to buses I pray to god to keep me safe and alive till the end of the journey. We risking our lives every time we get on to a bus. People in Sri Lanka know that. Is is not safe.
"In Sri Lanka it is very dangerous to travel on buses. It is hard to find even the train schedules," she said. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)
Comments - 74
Comments - Travelling by bus in Sri Lanka not safe, claims tourist
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Lanka Sunday, 08 October 2023 01:15 PM
Bus drivers take the law into their hands but where is the police and their camera? What happens is police take the penalty money for them and release the bus . Now it is complicated issues Politicians don't care Our laws are for the sake of law in papers Not in application.
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Mahila Monday, 09 October 2023 01:45 AM
No surprises there??? For anyone!!! Since independence GONE WILD!!!??? to the "DOGS"!!?? 1956 onwards 'Sinhala Only' on Paper!!?? No action!? 1963 onwards, 'TAMIL ALSO', where applicable on "PAPER (STATUTE) ONLY"!!?? NOT APPLIED???People continuously being asked OR queried "WHAT'S THE PROBLEM"??? JOKERS!!?? IMPLEMENTATION????
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Citizen Sunday, 08 October 2023 01:29 PM
Wow. Finally someone come forwardes to complain about it . I hope the govt does something to control this reckless driving public transports
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Danny Sunday, 08 October 2023 01:37 PM
This is the truth but Sri Lankan can’t express any idea as no authority will take any action even the Dept officers who waits in the road side with speed detectors ignore violations of buses.
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Nuwan Sunday, 08 October 2023 01:51 PM
Get over it. It is part of the experience. Spend a bit of money and hire a vehicle. These are the useless low budget tourists.
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Chris Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:48 PM
With people like you we can never improve as a country. Do we go by Taxis when we are tourists in Europe?
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Sylvester R. Alwis Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:46 PM
Nuwan: Typical street-vendor mentality. You need to understand that tourists come here not only to fill your pockets; they come here to see a different country and enjoy their lives. It's our utmost responsibility to make their stays trouble-free and protect them.
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Mahla Monday, 09 October 2023 05:14 AM
You are basically and indirectly admitting that our Public Transport Buses and INFERIOR AND SUB-STANDARD both in Equipment quality and Personnel operating the system and the Police don't care a damn, because the Police, Military and “Hoi Polloi” own partly or in-full Private Bus FLEET in country!!!??? Therefore interfered with connections in POLICE DEPARTMENT, frustrating efforts of even GOOD POLICE officers who "BOOK" offenders at all times!!?? Hence, they don't NOW “go after these Private bus operators”!!!??? If that LADY TOURIST, could “CLOCK” speed on her Mobile phone with 'Google', WHY CAN'T, POLICEMEN IN 'MUFTI' OF PLAIN CLOTHES TRAFFIC POLICEMEN do same – as easy as it comes!!!??? Amend laws, and send ‘Raiding Parties’ – separate cars, and await SIGNAL FROM PLAINCLOTHES ‘TRANSPORT DETECTIVES’!!!??? We have 170,000 Police Force" doing WHAT? "TO BOOT-LICK POLITICIANS"!!!???
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Amaran Sunday, 08 October 2023 01:56 PM
This clearly indicates how the LAW IS IMPLEMENTED IN SRI LANKA. Many accidents were caused by over speed.
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Adwani Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:01 PM
The tourist is telling the truth even local passengers find it hard to board and disembark from the bus. As soon as the bus stops at the halt, the conductor starts his recordings of get in soon and soon get down. While the Bus Operators Association stupid chairman recently giving publicity to diaspora.
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Traveller Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:08 PM
The traffic police in Sri Lanka are good for nothing. They are given motor cycles just to enjoy. They should be stationed on main Roads, road bends and speeds of vehicles checked. These all arisen as a result of ‘ pakshes’ ruling.
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Ram Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:08 PM
Transport Minister, Please give this tourist a present for being truthful about the bus travel in Sri lanka. Her statement is likely to 'promote' tourism unless suitable steps are taken to arrest the situation
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Rikzy J Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:36 PM
Its not a claim, its a fact. Buses are driven by drug addicts usually.
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Tourist Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:45 PM
@nuwan U just vomited the typical true srilankan comment. No wonder your country is in the rabbit hole with citizens like you. Every USD is a help for your begging nation don't forget.
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Mohammed intiquab Ghouse Sunday, 08 October 2023 02:50 PM
When you can bribe the police, what else.
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Appu Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:22 PM
Everybody see this everyday. Police clearly ignore them. Most of drivers will have enough proof on our dash cams enough to send these crazy drivers to jail. Uneducated bastards taken into driving job, to become worse, they take drugs sometimes. Having no value on human lives, they are ready to crush any vehicle on their way... Shame on them.
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Ranga Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:24 PM
Nothing new Sadly Laws in SL doesn't apply to public transport
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:37 PM
This complaint should be investigated, as a foreign tourist, she has feard for her life. Police should check overspeeding, instead of importing cars, invest in importing advanced equipment to track overspeed.
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Sandy Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:39 PM
This is what happens in a third world under developed poor country like Sri Lanka where there are no rules
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Ron Sunday, 08 October 2023 03:42 PM
The problem is your giving public transport license to idiots who don't even care for thir life's this fellows are extremely low have no forward thinking or basic common sence majority conductors the drivers are not suitable for the job yet a lone how this crazy idiots drive on galle road the same majority drivers have no fear no respect for anyone due to poor background no education uncivilized tipycle barberions have come from jungles government need to monitor this fellows and take action by canceling license to take passengers sri Lanka must have a proper system guidelines safty rules regulations for those who take public transport license to carry passengers in all categories and Renue license every year with a minum fee..compulsory
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Sparks Sunday, 08 October 2023 04:30 PM
Sri Lanka need reforms in every sector you appoint heads with no basic knowledge have no accountability safty measures proper training guidelines stricked safty formula is a massive issue with majority bus drivers driver behavior is a key factor to keep roads pedestrian other road user's passengers should be a priority for all drivers carrying passengers in adition public transport license to carry passengers should be introduced yearly basis to monitor road safty driver safty behavior etc prior renuine licence if this fellows respect the license and the daily income the behavior will change automatically like any other job government must impliment procedures to improve quality standards where nessorory
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Sam Silva Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:23 PM
Forget about traveling in the bus, it's not safe to visit our country at all.
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Rip Winkle Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:28 PM
It is a well known fact that there are mp's and cops who own fleets of private busses. Some of them own upto two dozen of them. The drivers and conductors behave as if they are above the law as they get away with all traffic violations.
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KP Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:37 PM
Among the tourists Sri Lankan busses are called ‘crazy bus’. For some these busses are a tourist attraction on their own. But all in all, it’s very bad for development of tourism. Not to mention the obvious tragedy of lost lives. We don’t have money to do a lot of things. But even the things we can do without money, we don’t do.
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Raj Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:39 PM
The last thing anyone wants is to pay and buy their own death!
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Mahila Monday, 09 October 2023 05:18 AM
Because these 'local passengers' are insane too and think they are buying a "LIFE INSURANCE POLICY"!?
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Josh Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:39 PM
Sri lanka is a country of Yakkos. You can't expect much sensibleness from them.
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Nimal Sunday, 08 October 2023 05:46 PM
Sorry, but there is no law and order in Sri Lanka, and our president is deaf, dumb and blind.
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Dee Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:13 PM
Airport should have a warning sign saying avoid using tuk and leyland busses! Problem is, low budget ones come here to use them. For them it must be cheaper than walking in their countries.
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FairJudge Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:14 PM
Will the stupid SL authorities take note?No. They charge exorbitant visa fees and all and the country is ful of crooks and absolutely no facilities for tourists; not even a decent toilet. Where is the tourism Minister and others who want to "promote" tourism to SL? Why would anyone come here? For what?
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Mohamed Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:18 PM
Same with 177 bus route Kaduwela - Kollupitiya same reckless driving to over take other same route busses, the police see it but action is taken.
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Tissa Fernando Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:26 PM
Most of the private busses are owned by politicians and the former police men. So they do not catch them. In order to put a sustainable stop to these reckless driving there should be multiple actions. 1. Arrest the reckless drivers 2. Suspend the drivers license 3. Mandatory jail term of 2 weeks with expenses paid by the vehicle owners . If he cannot pay auction the vehicle. 4 mandatory rehabilitation programme for safe driving after completing the jail term 5. Enhanced insurance for repeat offenders and reduced insurance for good drivers 6 Rewards and Recognition to the good drivers 7 Rewards for the public for proving credible information with evidence on reckless drivers. They can record these using their cameras and share with the police. 8. A periodic driver evaluation by authorities Unless some actions are taken , the killings on the roads will continue. Only the reckless drivers will disagree with the measures I have recommended.
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Grace Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:42 PM
Tourist Minister! Take note of this tourist's complaint. Definitely when she gets back to her country, she will tell her relatives and friends about this nightmare. Remember! The world's largest and the most profitable industry is Hospitality Industry. Before 1983 violence, the biggest foreign exchange earner in this country was tourism.
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ROSH Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:57 PM
Please don’t disrespect the public transport is always customers come first they need to get to their destination quickly no matter what. Look at our master debater who is president always wants to travel quickly to his destination before he is being master bated he becomes immortal.
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Gee Sunday, 08 October 2023 06:59 PM
Sri lanka people are too stupid to care. If people die on the roads not their problem
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Terrence K Sunday, 08 October 2023 07:26 PM
Repeatedly there have been complaints from different sources that our bus drivers are driving recklessly. Whilst these drivers are risking the lives of all the commuters what has the Police done to stop these maniacs. There were also complaints in the media that these drivers seem to be drug addicts since it confirms their behaviour. Some of the private buses are owned by influential people and who come to the drivers rescue when an accident takes place. It is funny the law authorities can only hide behind trees to charge private vehicles and increase the number of cases to enable them to obtain a reward. Why not the Police authorities deploy policemen in mufti so that they will get first hand experience of these maniacs on the road.
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Kd Sunday, 08 October 2023 07:53 PM
Frankly tourists should avoid Sri Lanka until the reckless driving is controlled. Why come to Sri Lanka to risk your life? Go to Thailand or Bali for a similar experience without the crazy driving.
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ROSH Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:03 PM
When you come to Sri Lanka yes indeed you need seek thrilling
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maha Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:07 PM
Today I was traveling from Galle to Colombo on the Highway at speed of 100Kmph, fully loaded public buses overtaking me instantly. I believe they must speed over 130-140 Kmph and no action by the police.
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nimal Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:23 PM
Our drivers don't even know what exactly safe means...I agree that we're dumb and idiots in many cases
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Truth spoken Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:31 PM
Over to transport minister !!! Do something about it pleaaase !!! because there are ppl who commute everyday and they don't travel in luxury cars like you !!!
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BuffaloaCitizen Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:37 PM
We are still a primitive country. The only thing this bus driver did not have is a tail, otherwise he is simply a monkey. It is a sad issue we talk about 2500y culture but we still behave like monkeys. Even the educated with degrees are like that. When these monkeys migrate to other countries, they are forced to become civilized and discipline, otherwise they know they will be selectively despised.
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Ro Bert Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:37 PM
we were speechless ms. once we got on the bus for a long journey ... really scared
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Ro Bert Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:43 PM
@ Nuwan, Poor Man, She complains about our poor transportation, not about money or other facilities....
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Che Sunday, 08 October 2023 08:47 PM
Spot on ..! This reckless lawlessness by private bus drivers be arrested by local traffic police surveillance, easily paid for by high fines imposed and contribute to Govt coffers.
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Jow Sunday, 08 October 2023 09:38 PM
Buses being individual small businesses is the biggest problem. This has to end and put under companies or coporative unions.
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Gunala Sunday, 08 October 2023 09:44 PM
The only option is for the tourist board to organize Hop On Hop Off buses only for tourists around the country. There is no point in talking about buses and traffic rules because the drivers don’t respect any rules as soon as they sit behind the wheel.
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Mahila Monday, 09 October 2023 05:38 AM
Gunala, well-said!!!???? Harin Fernando, do the needful! First replace Long-distance buses for Tourists! Colombo- Galle- Matara- Hambantota - Colombo OR Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Medirigiriya, - Pasikudah - Trincomalee/Batticaloa and back to Colombo Next step - SHORT "City Circular Routes" only for City/Metro, like Fort - Panadura - Colombo or Colombo - Negombo - Gampaha - Colombo!!!?? Colombo – Kandy – Nuwara-Eliya – Colombo!!
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Gayan Samaraseakra Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:01 PM
Public bus transport in Sri Lanka is horrible. Not only private buses, but also government buses race each other, and drive extremely recklessly. Private buses are the number 1 reason for the people of Sri Lanka to be afraid of privatization. While we seriously need privatization, it needs to happen in a way where there are no who-dares wins situations, but who does the best wins. Regarding buses, there should be a method where cash money is not touched by the conductor or driver of a bus when the people ride. Until that part is cleared, extreme racing, and reckless driving won't stop.
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Leon Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:08 PM
It should he called CRAZY bus, thye are drivong the bus like racing car... Its the most dangerous element on the road in Sri Lanka
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Kumar Sen Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:12 PM
To Nuwan who foolishly asked the tourist to hire a vehicle. Do you not realise her statement will have a far greater influence to get something done by the authorities if it ever happens? Do you not realise that it is the poor innocent SL citizens who get killed in road accidents. Shame on you
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Mk Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:17 PM
Its not safe to visit russia these days as well
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Improve yourselves Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:50 PM
All the comments, especially Nuwan's, is highly hillarious. Listen people, when the people at the very top in the country cannot be disciplined even a little bit how do you believe all your suggestions would be possible. Mind you every sector in Sri Lanka is in this indiciplined situation today; day by day steadily deteriorating. Most of you commenting here are also definitely from one of these sectors. If you can improve your respective areas before pointing fingers at others the discipline in the country will automatically improve.
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Ganesh Sunday, 08 October 2023 11:53 PM
The Only way these idiots can be controlled is by putting speed limiters each time the bus speeds over the prescribed limit they are automatically fined and GPS tracking devices. Taxis in Dubai have this implemented. Buses should have mandatory insurance for passengers. This way each time they meet with an accident the premium they pay keeps going higher. When they feel the pinch it’s when they start following laws. Drivers license renewable each year after testing. All private buses should have a uniform color.
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dinesh Monday, 09 October 2023 12:14 AM
this is the usual day in day out experience of the people who travel in busses...sad thing is none of them complain r do anything about it...a tourist is the one to see this and complain...most people who ride buses are numb to it until something goes wrong...then its too late...
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Oliver COORAY Monday, 09 October 2023 12:33 AM
General notification on 'Norms' in Sri Lanka. That need to be understood. Saftey of human is zero Security of human is zero Respect to another human is zero Respect to a tourist is zero Respect to ethics is zero Real meaning for tourism is zero.
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Nadi Karunaratne Monday, 09 October 2023 01:33 AM
Easy to stamp out if there was a will. However corrupt police and plundering politicians who deliver nothing, do nothing to protect locals and visitors alike. We have lost the capacity to feel shame.
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Herman Perera Monday, 09 October 2023 02:47 AM
"I DON'T KNOW WHY" like President Ranil told the GERMAN Press "NO FOREIGN INTERFERENCE"
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Roger D S Monday, 09 October 2023 03:55 AM
@Nuwan. Every tourist to any country bring in much needed revenue. From the time the plane lands, airport taxes are paid. All types of support staffs at airports, hotels, F
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Mohan Monday, 09 October 2023 04:35 AM
This is just a sample. There are so many private and SLTB buses that are driven at dangerously high speeds. They hurry the passengers to board or get down from the bus quickly, regardless of their age.
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DillonDP Monday, 09 October 2023 05:05 AM
Those in the authority to drive at the same speed in both directions
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DD Monday, 09 October 2023 05:17 AM
Welcome to Sri Lanka, where our buses can feel like a wild roller coaster ride! But don't worry, we're working on it. Some bus drivers are making things exciting, but authorities are taking action. They're talking to drivers and passengers and making sure drivers are trained and certified for safety. If you see something unsafe, like the Russian passenger, exercise your right to speak up or shout at the driver(if you wish you can mention his mother too and addres very nicely). We're on a journey to make buses fun and safe for everyone. Remember, not all bus drivers are the same!
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Paramanathan Monday, 09 October 2023 06:32 AM
It is a timely call by a tourist from Russia to the authorities who are in deep slumber. Buses plying in long distances are plagued by drivers over speeding mostly under the influence of liquor or narcotics. This lady had noted the speed of 100 km per hour is well above the allowed limit. Drivers are sharing the information on the location where traffic cops are waiting. Bus routes are heavily patronized as railways network is limited. By all means Srilanka cannot be a safer destination for the tourists where people give scant respect for rule of law and road rules. No wonder daily there are 8-10 people die due to road accidents.
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kumar Monday, 09 October 2023 07:20 AM
As usual, the police become blind on these private buses and get busy with waiting for cars to grab a few perks around every bend.
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‘The Lansi Burgher Gent’ Monday, 09 October 2023 08:26 AM
The transition, from the good old bullock cart to the vehicle, happened too fast for these village idiots/Gam Batta/Gamey Godayas.’ Compare these nutters to how public transport professionals handle their responsibilities in the developed countries and you can see where we as a damned country stand on the human development index. Should have remained a British colony for all its worth.
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Chinese colony Monday, 09 October 2023 10:44 AM
Very well said. Totally agree. They still have an opportunity. Can become a Chinese colony. Will certainly be better than what it is now. LOL.
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Mahesh Monday, 09 October 2023 09:24 AM
Number of comments in this post itself explains the underlying issues. This was also the observation of all foreign you tubers who visited our country. The absurd thing is that we have a transport ministry and attempt to regulate this problem. What do they do?
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Suresh Monday, 09 October 2023 09:34 AM
It is the time for Sri Lanka to introduce average speed cameras on the roads and introduce hefty penalties for those breaching the laws . This should be same for all including politicians and security services. SL roads become very dangerous these days and people are killed unnecessarily every single day. This should be stopped without any further delay
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Gee Monday, 09 October 2023 11:57 AM
Nuwan: Just because most of the citizens of this country dont care if they die doesnt mean tourists feel the same way. Most come from countries where living is actually enjoyable and hope to return safety, not die in a third world slum
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Austin Monday, 09 October 2023 04:00 PM
Majority drivers riders are like monkeys they can't stay in one lane its like jumping from one brunch to a nother then they race to the front tipycle monkeys sadly some crash others loose life's they contribute for many road accidents every day due to terrible road behavior dirty fellows busses threewheel motorcycle among worse. Ministers officials should given a road show to monitor and experience for them self to make road safe and to save lives
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Females get back massages, beware of Srilankan male passengers Monday, 09 October 2023 06:11 PM
It is unsafe to go in full packed buses because of Srilankan passengers also because male passengers come from behind and squeeze female buttocks with their front . Very naughty. Once when i had worn a little too short skirt i happened to travel in a packed bus. After getting off the bus only I noticed milky liquid was drooling down along my legs.omg
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Sambo Monday, 09 October 2023 08:46 PM
Authorities please take note. Over to you minister of transport.
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Passengers Monday, 09 October 2023 09:29 PM
When we poor locals complain no action is taken. Let's see if this "dollar" woman's complaint will be taken seriously.
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Punchi Tuesday, 10 October 2023 04:47 AM
This discussion is a manifestation of how Buddhas values have penetrated the fabric of our nation and made us the most powerful, prosperous, bountiful and dharmic paradise in the universe
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