SL transport sector plagued with problems:Studies reveal
Several studies done recently have found problems associated with the transport sector in the country such as heavy traffic congestion in urban areas due to poor traffic management, indisciplined drivers, and outdated fleet of vehicles.
Around 7-8 persons die daily due to road accidents in the country, said Minister of Passenger Transport Management Mahinda Amaraweera, who was the Guest of Honour at a conference held at the Hilton Colombo Residences on the topic of “Sustainable Mobility, Traffic & Public Transport Solutions and Logistics” this week.
It is the first German –Sri Lankan Conference to be held on the topic of ‘Sustainable Mobility’ in Colombo along with the delegation of the German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka.
The Minister said that transport is an important sector in the country as it affects day-to-day lives of people in Sri Lankan society.
Road transport is the dominant factor in the country where demand for passenger transport is 93 per cent and 7 per cent for goods transportation. Transport also account for 10 per cent of the GDP, and 6 per cent of employment. On the contrary the transport sector is also responsible for emission of half the greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in country.
Referring to the Presidential manifesto, he said the government will assign high priority to the transport network and environmental friendly policies to the public. “My ministry has been given the responsibility for the management of transport services to find speedy solutions,” he added.
German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jorn Rohde said the attractiveness of cities comes with mobility, logistics and transport solutions. Even Greater Colombo attracts more people into cities where mobility and transport have become a challenge like in Germany. People in Germany order everything on line today to avoid clogged streets on roads. Uber has become a solution or a problem as more cars are found on roads. More people in Germany live in cities than in rural areas. Of the ranking of top 20 top cities in the world, five of them are found in Germany and others in Switzerland and in Austria. ”When we ask mayors of these cities the reasons for their attractiveness, they tell us that they have a reliable transport system in place. I am happy that German expertise and Sri Lankan stakeholders come together to find solutions,” he said.
Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, Andreas Hergenrother also spoke. The keynote address was made by Sheran Fernando, Chairman Ceylon Motor Traders Association.