By: Staff Writer
January 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have introduced the e-Traffic mobile application, a state-of-the-art tool designed to curb traffic violations and promote road safety under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.
The app was inaugurated on January 1, 2025, by Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters.
The e-Traffic app enables citizens to report traffic violations and related incidents in real time. Users can submit photos or videos of offenses using the app’s Camera and Video functions, with reports directly sent to Police Headquarters for prompt action.
Accessible via the E-services section of the official Sri Lanka Police website (www.police.lk), the app provides a streamlined process for documenting and addressing traffic offenses.
With coverage across 607 police stations nationwide, traffic officers will respond to complaints submitted through the app. The Police Headquarters will oversee investigations, assign cases to relevant divisions, and monitor progress to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The e-Traffic app offers several benefits to both law enforcement and the public. It empowers citizens to actively participate in law enforcement by reporting traffic violations, crimes, and even environmental damage, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
The app allows users to report incidents quickly and accurately by uploading multimedia evidence, which enhances the response time of authorities.
Additionally, the shift to digital reporting reduces paperwork, centralizes data, and facilitates coordination between police departments.
The availability of verifiable digital evidence minimizes corruption within law enforcement and ensures accountability in handling complaints.
Furthermore, the app encourages better compliance with laws by creating a deterrent effect, as individuals become aware of the ease with which violations can be reported. It also supports sustainability efforts by enabling citizens to report environmental damage.
However, the implementation of the app is not without its challenges. There are concerns about privacy violations, as photos and videos submitted by users could inadvertently invade the privacy of others.
The platform might also be misused for false accusations or personal grievances, potentially overwhelming law enforcement with frivolous complaints.
Limited access to smartphones and internet connectivity may exclude rural or low-income populations, and a lack of technological literacy among certain demographics could hinder widespread adoption.
Some citizens might hesitate to use the app due to fear of retaliation or skepticism about its effectiveness.
Moreover, the police will require adequate resources to review and act on reports, which could strain existing personnel and infrastructure. If not managed efficiently, delays in responding to complaints could erode public trust in the system.
There is also a risk that sensitive user data could be compromised without robust cybersecurity measures, and legal complications could arise from misreporting or defamatory complaints.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the e-Traffic app represents a significant step forward in using technology to improve public safety, enhance governance, and engage citizens in creating a safer and more sustainable Sri Lanka.
