The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the government has presented two significant Gazettes today. Gazette 2455/29 introduces core regulations mandating seat belts for vehicles on expressways, including rear seats. Gazette 2452/40 provides procedures for dealing with drug-impaired driving, equipping police and medical officers, and setting penalties.

¶ 02 We hear opposition voices suggesting these are unnecessary, effectively encouraging drug use. We act because drugs have become a national scourge; during the opposition’s time, the law and its enforcers were undermined. Now we provide the needed regulatory tools.

¶ 03 About 53% of fatal accidents are due to unlawful and undisciplined driver behaviour. By enforcing discipline and a penalty system, we can reduce accidents and build a better transport service. Rear-seat belts on expressways will save many lives.

¶ 04 We have often seen long-distance bus passengers fearful due to driver misconduct—speeding, indiscipline, and poor vehicle condition and maintenance, like unchecked brakes, causing tragedies in Dunhinda, Ella and Gerandi Ella. The root is lack of driver discipline and weak enforcement.

¶ 05 Seven people die daily in Sri Lanka due to road accidents—this is a greater annual economic loss than the recent cyclone. The social costs—children losing parents—are immeasurable. Hence the urgency.

¶ 06 We appreciate that the Opposition Chief Organizer expressed support instead of the usual obstruction. The country faces a severe disaster, yet before it, our Ministry had already invested record funds in roads—RDA received the highest-ever allocation last year.

¶ 07 For Monaragala, Rs. 163.49 million was allocated in 2024 for road disaster works, rising to Rs. 344.85 million in 2025—more than double. For Badulla, Rs. 618 million in 2024, increased to Rs. 975 million in 2025 for road maintenance. After the “BOO” cyclone, we estimate Rs. 68.8 billion for 572 locations covering 1,450 km; overall road system needs may exceed Rs. 190 billion. We follow the principle: rebuild better.

¶ 08 Eleven SLTB depots were damaged; 74 buses destroyed. Rather than arguing about bus sizes, we should note the commendable conduct of officers during the crisis. We are developing a coherent plan to strengthen public transport and the state service.

¶ 09 Despite severe damage to the upcountry railway, we restored service from Badulla to Ambewela in a short time—vital for tourism revival. In Badulla District, all major roads have been reopened. About 1,400 irrigation schemes collapsed; within two weeks, through a massive operation, many were revived. Over 225 schools, including pre-schools, were affected; they have been restored for children to attend.

¶ 10 We ask the Opposition how they managed disasters when in power; we saw their approach—token visits and lists. In contrast, we have allocated Rs. 50 billion for relief and will deliver assistance effectively.

¶ 11 A National Council for Disaster Management last met on 05.04.2018. It was not convened again until 06.07.2025. We are now managing this disaster swiftly, with strong public service support and political leadership. Thank you.

¶ 12 Question put, and agreed to.