Sri Lanka Police is to initiate strict action against dilapidated buses and vans used to transport school children.

Police Traffic Unit Chief ASP Manoj Ranagala made the announcement while addressing the media on Wednesday (Oct 26).

He said a survey had been conducted with the assistance of several Deputy Inspector Generals (DIG) during which the said vehicles were inspected.

ASP Ranagala said it was found that most buses operating as school transport service are buses that have been removed from passenger transport service due to their unusable condition.

Stating that vans used for school services are also the same, ASP Ranagala said that there is very poor maintenance due to which strict measures should be taken in this regard.

Following a survey conducted with the assistance of motor inspectors, prohibitory orders were issued in this regard, he said.

Stressing that this was a serious issue, ASP Ranagala said innocent lives are lost due to the lack of safety measures.