-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -08.Jan.2025, 5.30 PM) The recent police actions to seize private buses and three-wheelers equipped with flashy decorations and accessories that violate road rules are not part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative but an enforcement of existing laws, Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa clarified. He emphasized that the primary goal is to prevent road accidents, which have become a severe national concern.
Speaking at the Cabinet press briefing, Jayatissa revealed that over the past five years, road accidents have claimed 12,140 lives. He said:
“As a government, we are deeply focused on addressing road accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, 118,000 road accidents were reported, including 11,500 fatal accidents resulting in the loss of 12,140 lives. These victims include ordinary citizens, from children to the elderly. Their lives must be protected. As a government, we have a responsibility to safeguard these lives. That’s why we are taking special measures to improve road safety.”
Jayatissa explained that the government’s first step involves raising awareness among all stakeholders, including private bus operators, CTB buses, private vehicle owners, pedestrians, and school children. Some police interventions, he noted, were aimed at ensuring the safety of children and others on the roads.
“Initially, we focus on creating awareness. After that, the law will be enforced. We don’t need new laws; the existing laws are sufficient. Our priority is the safety of the people. We are currently in a process of dialogue with all stakeholders, and we hope everyone will cooperate. The lives being lost are those of our citizens, and as a country, we must address this critical issue seriously.”
When asked about resistance from private bus operators and doctors, with threats of strikes, Jayatissa responded:
“The police have given until the 19th to comply with regulations. There’s no reason not to enforce the law just because the roads are not in perfect condition. All of this is aimed at protecting the lives of citizens. Can anyone say, ‘No, the decorations on my bus are more important than a life’? There is still time for discussions and consensus until the 19th.”
He acknowledged the essential role of bus drivers, three-wheeler operators, and doctors in the transportation system but stressed that their work must not compromise the safety of lives.
Jayatissa clarified that the police’s actions to minimize road accidents are unrelated to the “Clean Sri Lanka” program.
“This is part of the police’s responsibility to enforce the law. There are laws in place. Whether it’s reducing mosquito-borne diseases or enforcing rules for pedestrians, these are essential tasks. Not doing them would be the problem. Linking everything to ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is unnecessary.”
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to approach road safety as a national priority and work together to reduce road accidents and save lives.
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by (2025-01-08 11:53:43)
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