The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I will focus on a few subjects—two Orders under the Motor Traffic Act are under discussion. One adjusts fees for issuing temporary driving licenses to foreign license holders visiting Sri Lanka, charging foreigners more than locals. The other temporarily extends validity for those who could not renew during recent crises.

¶ 02 I propose that temporary permits for foreign license holders not be issued only at the airport but also at key tourist hubs. Representing Galle District, along the coast from Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Ahangama to Weligama, tourists rent scooters and three-wheelers daily—businesses and the tourism industry benefit. Establishing a point in a city like Galle to issue temporary permits would help, along with an orientation on our road rules, which differ from those abroad—benefitting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

¶ 03 Transport is vital. We have seen positive moves: initially seat belts were made compulsory for front seats on expressways, and now for rear passengers too; and for buses on expressways—good for safety. However, bus owners say original seat belts are unavailable, so temporary ones are fitted; their efficacy and standards are questionable, and prices have risen from LKR 4,000–5,000. These practical issues need attention, or intended safety benefits may not materialize.

¶ 04 Some months ago, Hon. Mujibur Rahuman asked about newly registered vehicles lacking number plates. The Leader of the House said by 15 November it would be resolved. Today is 18 February, and still unresolved. Around 250,000 motorcycles, 68,000 cars, 17,500 three-wheelers, about 7,000 dual-purpose vehicles, and 2,500 cabs were registered last year—many still without proper plates; some have improvised numbers; some none; some unreadable. Cabinet has only just approved calling a new tender—how long will that take? Even Hon. Mujibur Rahuman reportedly paid LKR 15,000 for a plate and waited months without receiving it.

¶ 05 The Government also says it will test bus drivers for drugs and alcohol—good. But if a driver fails, cancelling the route permit of the bus owner is unfair. Owners have multiple buses and are not always with the driver. Penalize the driver; apply parity to SLTB too—you cannot “cancel SLTB’s license,” nor fine the Depot Superintendent. Implement this practically, not like the King’s arbitrary judgments.

¶ 06 On public transport, bus and rail services remain chaotic. Trains are delayed for hours; strikes disrupt services. Road rule violations by some drivers increase accidents. People travel packed and at risk; night buses don’t run in many difficult areas; costs are unbearable. Over the past five years since 2020, only about 4 km of new rail has been added; only about four major stations increased. Unsafe level crossings remain—about 425. In 2024 alone, there were 253 train accidents, including 244 deaths. The Railways incurred a loss of about LKR 11 billion in 2024. Elephant-train collisions continue; just recently a night mail train derailed after hitting an elephant. In the first 10 months of 2025, 17 elephants died due to train accidents—huge losses to wildlife and the railway.

¶ 07 SLTB operates about 4,500 trips; around 5,000 buses are in depots; staffing is roughly five per bus, while the requirement is 1.4 per bus; this is a burden. Over 3,000 buses are older than 15 years—maintenance and safety have deteriorated.

¶ 08 Last year alone, about 2,500 fatal road accidents were reported, with about 2,700 deaths—most fatalities from motorcycles, followed by three-wheelers; about 1,000 motorcycle accidents and 350 three-wheeler accidents. Private bus-related fatal accidents were 203; SLTB-related 66. These need urgent attention—on seat belts, number plates, accident prevention, and level crossings.

¶ 09 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, for the time.