Sri Lanka Insurance partners with Sri Lanka Medical Association

Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) with the objective of ensuring road safety to minimise road accidents. This special programme will be channeled through the Prevention of Road Traffic Crashes (PRTC) committee led by the leadership of SLMA, SLIC said in a media release.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange took place recently at the SLMA Head Office, Colombo in the presence of Chandana L. Aluthgama – Group Chief Executive Officer -SLIC, Mr. Priyantha Perera- Chief Operating Officer – General Insurance of Sri Lanka Insurance and Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne - President, Dr. Thushara Matiwalage – Convener, Expert Committee, Dr. Sanjay Perera –Member and Dr. Surantha Perera - Member of Sri Lanka Medical Association.

The strategic tie-up between the two organisations will be facilitating programmes on educating the general public on road etiquette and to encourage motorists to be more courteous and self-disciplined while they are on the road. A series of programmes have been designed focusing on drivers of passenger vehicles and school children. Furthermore, a media campaign to create awareness on road safety will be executed to educate the general public.

It is reported that the annual average of road accidents is upto 40,000 per year and the fatality rate is 3000 per year in average. Furthermore, 8000 to 9000 persons seek medical facilities for serious injuries. As a result, the country has to bear an expense of Rs. 200 billion to Rs. 300 billion annually which amounts to 2 per cent to 3 per cent of the GDP (Source: Health Bulletin – Ministry of Health 2022). This is a clear indication that the country needs a structured programme to create awareness among the motorists and the general public.