Sri Lanka to monitor bus drivers with AI after worst crash in decades
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will use artificial intelligence to monitor bus drivers and make seat belts mandatory on public transport, a government minister said on Wednesday, after the country's worst bus crash in two decades killed 23 people.
The South Asian nation, which records an average of 3,000 road fatalities annually, has some of the most dangerous roads in the world.
Buses are to be equipped with driver monitoring systems from next year, while seat belts will become compulsory on public transport from June, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake told reporters in Colombo.
It came after an overcrowded bus carrying dozens of Buddhist pilgrims plummeted into a precipice on Sunday.
The changes are aimed at 'educating motorists to develop a better driving culture and improving safety standards,' Rathnayake said.
'We are going to make AI-backed driver observation systems mandatory on all buses from next year, and we will expand them to all long-distance trucks as well.'
The minister said the cause of Sunday's crash in the tea-growing mountainous region of Kotmale was still being investigated, but that two more passengers had died, raising the toll to 23.
Fifty-four passengers were admitted to hospital, Rathnayake said, adding that preliminary inquiries had found no immediate indication of driver error.
Another driver had reported a problem with the bus's steering wheel the day before, but managers said it was attended to.
Sunday's crash off a cliffside road was the deadliest recorded in Sri Lanka since April 2005.
The state-owned bus was carrying around 77 passengers — about 20 more than its capacity.
In March 2021, 13 passengers and the driver of a privately owned bus died when the vehicle crashed into a precipice in Passara, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of the site of Sunday's crash.
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Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience
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Asharq Al-Awsat
04-06-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SDAIA: Saudi AI Platform Baseer Boosts Crowd, Security Control During Hajj
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Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, SDAIA's Vice President, Engineer Sami bin Abdullah Moquim, said the authority has harnessed its advanced technical infrastructure and skilled workforce, including data scientists, AI specialists, engineers and technicians, to develop smart solutions that empower both government and private sector entities to make timely, informed decisions and boost operational efficiency. Smart platforms activated Moquim said SDAIA has completed its preparations for the Hajj season in line with directives from the Saudi leadership to ensure the comfort and ease of pilgrims. He noted that the authority has extended technical support to government agencies tasked with managing the pilgrimage. This support includes launching and activating several digital platforms during Hajj seasons to deliver high-quality services using the latest technologies, he said. SDAIA's engineers and technicians are working around the clock to maintain the digital infrastructure, ensure continuity of services for pilgrims, and address any technical challenges across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air border crossings in coordination with relevant authorities. He added that SDAIA's technical teams are operating dedicated workstations to facilitate the entry procedures of pilgrims and are providing continuous support in the terminals designated for their arrival to ensure smooth operation of systems and uninterrupted communication. Advanced tech at entry points SDAIA is extending its digital support to frontline security teams stationed at checkpoints and entry points leading to Makkah, while also equipping key holy sites with advanced technologies to streamline the Hajj experience, said Moquim. 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Smart surveillance integration The operations center also incorporates cutting-edge platforms, such as Sawaher and Sawaher Qiyada, both developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. These platforms deliver intelligent analytics of live security camera feeds across the holy sites and access points, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency. By analyzing vast amounts of live surveillance data, the system supports instant decision-making and bolsters field-level coordination. SDAIA says the platform's ability to integrate big data analytics with real-time video monitoring plays a crucial role in maintaining security and operational readiness across the Hajj landscape. Ehsan platform expands charitable services during Hajj Saudi Arabia's Ehsan platform is expanding its presence during this year's Hajj, offering a wide range of charitable services and initiatives aimed at maximizing social impact and supporting pilgrims through acts of giving. Moquim said Ehsan plays a key role in addressing the diverse needs of pilgrims by providing opportunities for donations and participation in community-focused projects. Among its key offerings this season is a sponsorship program for pilgrims who have never performed Hajj, allowing donors to contribute to fulfilling the dreams of those unable to afford the journey. The platform also facilitates initiatives to feed pilgrims and provide clean drinking water at the holy sites. In partnership with the Kingdom's Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (Adahi), Ehsan supports the sacrificial offering program by enabling pilgrims and donors to authorize the platform to perform their animal sacrifices on their behalf. The sacrifices are then distributed to eligible recipients in accordance with Islamic requirements, safely, securely, and on time.
Arab News
02-06-2025
- Arab News
Pakistan to play in Colombo when India hosts women's World Cup
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