The Hon. Danushka Ranganath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Regulations under the Motor Traffic Act.

¶ 02 Before that, a Member from Ratnapura spoke about SLTB. We are not living in a fantasy; we do not claim SLTB has been transformed overnight. But our aspiration is to rebuild a strong Sri Lanka Transport Board, and as a Ministry we are intervening. Results are emerging.

¶ 03 We recognize issues: in Ratnapura and also Kalutara there are problems. We studied the shortages—particularly buses and spares—and are procuring buses. There are staffing gaps—conductors and drivers—and new recruitment programs are in the final stages. There is also a technical skills shortage: motor mechanics, welders, trimmers, auto electricians, pump operators, engineers, and machinists. We are proceeding to recruit: 288 motor mechanics, 52 welders/trimmers, 42 auto electricians, 28 engineers, and 19 machinists to build a skilled technical cadre.

¶ 04 There is still a bus fleet shortfall; we are addressing it. We are also filling worker shortages. Notably, we have recruited 25 female conductors—an improvement.

¶ 05 SLTB has often been a center of political interference, so we are proceeding cautiously. Those who attempt to deliberately disrupt processes for political ends will face appropriate action while we support officials trying to uplift the institution.

¶ 06 To illustrate progress, I received a WhatsApp from the Kalutara Regional Manager thanking that after a year, salaries were paid without extra funds. This shows we are reducing deficits and moving toward sustainability—minimizing losses rather than claiming big profits.

¶ 07 On 1 January, SLTB launched 40 new rural routes covering previously unserved roads.

¶ 08 Turning to today’s subject: Transport and Highways must rapidly modernize to deliver safer, more comfortable public transport. Alongside physical improvements, we are strengthening the legal framework to close gaps and enhance safety.

¶ 09 From 2020 to 2025, road crashes caused significant loss of life. In 2024, pedestrian fatalities were 815; by 31 July 2025, 458. Motorcyclists in 2024 were 781; by 31 July 2025, 446. Pillion riders in 2024: 194; by 31 July 2025: 98. Cyclists in 2024: 186; by 31 July 2025: 114. Drivers in 2024: 202; by July 2025: 100. Passengers in 2024: 307; by 31 July 2025: 203. Total: 2,501 in 2024; 1,438 by 31 July 2025. Road crashes are a constant disaster.

¶ 10 On expressways, mandatory seat belts reduce fatalities and serious injury. We are strengthening enforcement against drunk and drug-impaired driving; not only alcohol but drugged driving will be targeted.

¶ 11 Recent natural disasters heavily impacted Transport and Highways. We must rebuild affected regions comprehensively. As a Kalutara MP, we will not abandon our district. The Ministry and RDA have already intervened, including in Nuwara Eliya. On the 10th, about a thousand volunteers from Kalutara will support affected people in Nuwara Eliya. We invite everyone to work honestly to rebuild the country. Thank you.