The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, national development depends on economic growth, human development, health, living standards, happiness, and social justice. Our Government’s objective is to advance these and accelerate development.

¶ 02 In Kegalle District, under the Ministry of Highways’ rural road programme, 203 road projects worth Rs. 245.5 million were allocated and completed—26 km at 100 percent completion. Physical infrastructure and transport improvements go hand-in-hand with a safe road environment; hence these Motor Traffic Act regulations on driver obligations and expressway safety.

¶ 03 Roads are used by drivers, vehicle owners, pedestrians and Government alike; only through the combined discipline of all four can usage be safe. Even with good infrastructure and laws, without user compliance accidents will not reduce.

¶ 04 We look to global best practice—Japan’s cultural compliance, Sweden’s “Vision Zero”—aiming for zero fatalities. From 2020 to 2025-07-31, fatalities were: 2,363 (2020), 2,513 (2021), 2,538 (2022), 2,341 (2023), 2,521 (2024), and 1,438 up to 2025-07-31. These are our people—parents, children, breadwinners—lost largely due to negligence, inattention and risky behaviour.

¶ 05 From Jan–Sep 2024, out of 18,394 accidents, only small numbers were due to uncontrollable factors: 18 technical defects, 758 weather-related, 988 mechanical failures. The vast majority were from preventable causes: careless driving, intoxication, unsafe overtaking, traffic law violations, speeding, and pedestrian negligence. Therefore legal reform is necessary and is being undertaken.

¶ 06 We are also modernizing transport institutions. SLTB is recruiting drivers and conductors; for the first time in history, 25 female conductors are being taken in. The Railways will also recruit suitable women into appropriate grades. Alongside legal strengthening, these steps will improve safety and service. Thank you.