The Hon. Samanmali Gunasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 "In order to elevate the three-wheeler industry, which renders a significant service to the people across the country, to a more commendable level, and to ensure better employment conditions for those engaged in it as well as a more convenient, beneficial and safe service for passengers, attention should be paid to regulating three-wheelers employed both for private travel and as a commercial industry, by formulating appropriate rules and measures.

¶ 03 It has been observed over time that a large number of road accidents involve three-wheelers, with overloading of passengers and careless driving being major causes. Particularly, when transporting preschool children, unsafe practices are followed by carrying numbers inappropriate for three-wheelers. Safety during night operations of three-wheelers is also often compromised.

¶ 04 Considering these circumstances, to ensure a safer passenger service, suitable regulatory frameworks should be introduced for privately operated and commercially operated three-wheelers."

¶ 05 Additionally, I wish to note that the country is facing a disaster situation at present. We express our sympathies to all Sri Lankans affected. Under the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, all state institutions and Members have been mobilized to respond. I urge everyone to unite and assist as a nation.

¶ 06 Regarding my motion: Recently, there was a tragic accident where 10 persons were in a three-wheeler — eight preschool children and two others — and a child lost life when a tipper lorry from the opposite direction hit. As a country, we have not adequately safeguarded children in transport, whether by bicycle, three-wheeler or van. We need a regulatory framework. For example, some children’s helmets are flimsy and provide no real protection.

¶ 07 Some three-wheelers used for transport are in poor condition and overloaded, leading to accidents. Even school vans are often in substandard condition. Often the best buses are used for long routes, then shifted to short routes, and finally used to transport children. Saying “the best for children” is not enough. The people have entrusted us with authority to regulate and build a new social culture of responsibility. We must all act responsibly — schools, principals, parents and organizations — and not rely solely on Police or any single institution.

¶ 08 Statistics on accidents involving schoolchildren: in 2023 there were 10 fatal, 19 grievous and 149 minor accidents — around 180 in total. In 2024: 8 fatal, 23 grievous and 66 minor — 97 in total. In 2025 to date: 4 fatal, 23 grievous and 44 minor — 71 in total. Many of these could have been prevented through regulation.

¶ 09 Three-wheelers are helpful for transporting children, especially for lower-income families, but there must be regulation. School principals, parents and school organizations should periodically — say, quarterly — assess whether vehicles are fit, and assign responsibility for oversight. The Ministry of Education and relevant institutions should initiate an appropriate regulatory programme.

¶ 10 Thank you.