The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, regulations under the Motor Traffic Act are before us while accidents rise daily, harming schoolchildren and many innocents.

¶ 02 These regulations focus on narcotics-related driving. Many crashes involve substance use. In a recent high-profile crash involving a former Speaker, we saw how Police procedures matter: alcohol tests must be administered immediately; testing after 24–48 hours yields no reliable result. Strict enforcement is essential, and Police must be empowered and protected to implement the law. Passing regulations is not enough without discipline and an enabling environment.

¶ 03 We must also improve roads and traffic control. Traffic lights at key intersections, visible stop signs—now often missing—must be restored. The RDA, Provincial Road Authorities, Municipal and Pradeshiya Sabhas should act.

¶ 04 For passenger transport, drivers must meet higher standards; many crashes in buses and trucks involved alcohol or drugs. Three-wheelers and motorcycles account for the largest share of crashes from 2020–2025, often involving unlicensed or poorly trained drivers and negligence. Notorious recent cases include heavily fatigued and drug-using truck drivers causing mass casualties.

¶ 05 Poverty is worsening—one in three Sri Lankans is very poor per World Bank—exacerbated post-cyclone. Relief payments (e.g., Rs. 25,000) are insufficient for those who lost everything. Housing support promises (Rs. 5 million) are unclear and poorly implemented. In landslide-affected villages, people asked to vacate need clear resettlement plans. The Opposition has urged an aid conference to mobilize global support; the Government has not convened one. While a Treasury account is open, needs are in the hundreds of billions of rupees. We urge a comprehensive plan to rebuild lives. Thank you.