July 17, Colombo (LNW): Government is to gazzete new regulations within the next two weeks on speed limits, aimed at reducing road accidents, within the next two weeks State Transport Minister Lassantha Alagiyawanna announced
He emphasized that ongoing strikes are politically motivated rather than driven by genuine professional concerns. The National Council for Road Safety has allocated Rs. 50 million to the Sri Lanka Police for speed control equipment.
He mentioned that teachers will receive manuals to establish Road Safety Clubs in schools, which will be part of extracurricular activities, including a medal awarding program. Additionally, the Public Service Commission has approved the promotion of station masters every five years, and the necessary Cabinet paper for this has been prepared.
The ministry has initiated several programs to enhance transport sector efficiency, including the opening of the Kadawatha bus terminal in August, featuring modern transport management methods and advanced technology.
Alagiyawanna highlighted the alarming number of road accidents, with 2,214 incidents resulting in 2,321 deaths in 2023, and 1,103 accidents with 1,154 fatalities reported in the first half of 2024. Various programs have been implemented to reduce road accidents.
However, Alagiyawanna noted that the current strikes are politically motivated. The minister also cited statistics showing that between 2016 and 2023, road accidents resulted in 20,728 deaths in 223,451 accidents, with an average of eight daily fatalities.
The motor traffic death rate in Sri Lanka, at over 120 per 1 million inhabitants, is significantly higher than in countries like the United States (13) and Japan (3), according to OECD data. The WHO reports that approximately 1.3 million people die annually in road traffic crashes worldwide, with a significant economic impact.
Alagiyawanna stated last year that the government plans to introduce a demerit points system for traffic offenses, expected to be implemented from January 1, 2024. Under this system, a driver accumulating 24 demerit points will have their license cancelled immediately.
The NCRS has allocated Rs. 50 million to the Police for speed-control equipment and plans to set up Road Safety Clubs in schools to educate students on road safety.
A study published in 2022 identified major causes of road accidents, including overtaking, speed driving, alcohol consumption by drivers, pedestrian negligence, and vehicle mechanical faults. Additional factors include driver age and road conditions.
A recent health checkup revealed that SLTB employees, including drivers, in Kuliyapitiya are at high risk for hypertension, highlighting the stressful nature of Sri Lanka’s public transport sector. This stress likely affects private bus crews as well, who often engage in dangerous races and conflicts with passengers.
Therefore, road discipline cannot be established solely with speed limit equipment and regulations. The issue has deeper root causes that require a comprehensive scientific approach and firm commitment for effective resolution.
