The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Regulations under the Motor Traffic Act aimed at identifying drivers under the influence, mandating seat belts on expressways, and improving road safety.

¶ 02 The two Regulations introduced today are to create a safer transport regime. In 2025, 2,507 people, and in 2024, 2,300 people died due to road accidents, with over 30,000 injured. Safe transport is a serious challenge. Causes include loopholes and weak enforcement, drunk and drugged driving, speeding, substandard vehicles, and aggressive driving culture—leading to deaths, injuries, disability and long-term care needs. We welcome the Regulations to reduce fatalities and injuries.

¶ 03 Beyond that, we must prioritize quality vehicles and improve transport systems. Vehicles should be periodically inspected, and unfit ones removed from use.

¶ 04 Safe, comfortable and reliable public transport must be advanced through government programs, particularly in the North and East where such facilities are lacking. In Batticaloa district, rail services should be strengthened to reduce road congestion. Last year, the Batticaloa rail service was restricted; AC coaches were removed and schedules altered, creating hardships.

¶ 05 As Hon. Sreenesan noted, Sri Lanka Railways loses revenue partly because the Batticaloa service is not run properly. Daily more than 700 passengers used it; now capacity is limited to about 250. When we asked the General Manager of Railways, we were told there is no need or low demand—contrary to the ground reality in Batticaloa and Ampara, where many public officials and residents rely on that train. Even before the recent disaster, AC class was stopped. We request the Minister to restore the proper service urgently. A reliable Batticaloa service can be both a public good and a revenue earner. The public suspect pressure from private transport interests; the Department should address this immediately.

¶ 06 We also support cancelling licences and ensuring safer services for those driving under the influence, especially for school and public services. RTAs have become a heavy burden on the health sector: over 2,500 deaths and 30,000 injured, with major treatment costs borne by the government. We support these Regulations and request further measures for safe travel and mechanisms to prevent use of substandard and defective vehicles.

¶ 07 Regarding SLTB, in Batticaloa district services are inadequate, with significant difficulties in sustaining operations in backward areas. Please repair the Valaichchenai depot and improve services to Vakarai to meet local transport needs. Poor communities depend on public transport. We ask the Minister to guide a district-level plan via the District Development Committee to strengthen SLTB, as people rely on it during disasters and difficult times.

¶ 08 We support the Regulations for public safety and request timely action to ensure comfortable, safe services. Thank you.