The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is set to introduce regulations for vehicle repair garages in an effort to enhance road safety and efficiency amid rising accident rates.
Addressing a press conference on the 6th, Chief Examiner of Motor Vehicles, Sujeewa Tennakoon, emphasized the need to scrutinize both the expertise of garage employees and the quality of repair equipment used.
This move comes as a response to concerns that negligence by vehicle owners contributes to road accidents.Tennakoon also advocated for digitization as a means of improving traffic management and safety.
He highlighted the importance of digital vehicle monitoring systems and the transition to digital driving licenses, which were approved by the Cabinet in 2024. He pointed out that the cost of printing physical licenses is substantial, making digital alternatives a more efficient solution.
In addition to vehicle maintenance issues, the police have identified pedestrian safety as a major concern. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Indika Hapugoda, noted that obstructions on pavements often force pedestrians to walk on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
Unauthorized roadside businesses and illegally parked vehicles contribute significantly to this issue. Despite existing regulations prohibiting parking on pavements, enforcement remains a challenge. The police reiterated that illegally parked vehicles would be towed to ensure pedestrian safety.
Traffic congestion around international schools was another issue highlighted by Hapugoda. He attributed the problem to the limited use of public transport, leading to a high concentration of private vehicles during school hours. To mitigate congestion, he suggested implementing quality shuttle services and enhancing public transport options.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Automobile Services Providers Association raised concerns about the growing preference for replacing car parts rather than repairing them. Association President,
Amal Piyatilake, noted that many dealerships now opt to replace damaged components instead of refurbishing them, negatively impacting local service workers who specialize in vehicle repairs.
He explained that in developed countries, it is common practice to sell damaged vehicles rather than repair them, as it is often more cost-effective. However, in Sri Lanka, where many depend on repair-based jobs, preserving this craft remains essential.
Piyatilake also argued that excessive imports of replacement parts contribute to currency depreciation. However, economists suggest that broader monetary policy reforms, rather than restricting imports, are necessary to stabilize the rupee.
The trend of using second-hand parts from Japan instead of new components has been growing in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. While this practice saves time, it reduces the need for extensive mechanical repairs.
During the import control era of the 1970s, Sri Lankan mechanics often had to fabricate spare parts using lathe machines, causing prolonged vehicle downtimes. A car owner who recently replaced a damaged bumper expressed no concerns about part replacement, as his insurance covered the cost and the vehicle looked as good as new.
However, independent auto repairers are feeling the impact of these changes, as they are losing business to authorized dealerships. Industry representatives claim that although 80 to 88 percent of accident-related repairs are handled by independent garages, dealerships claim 60 percent of total insurance payouts.
They are now calling for regulations to ensure fair competition and sustain the livelihoods of local repair workers.
