Road accident statistics compiled by the computer division of the Traffic Police reveal that one Sri Lankan is killed in a road accident every 3 ½ hours and twice that number are critically injured. This is a clear indication that road travel is becoming increasingly dangerous and hazardous.
Compared to road deaths in the pre 1970s the risk of road deaths faced by Sri Lankans has nearly trebled. Such a tragic scenario is inevitable with higher volumes and variety of traffic moving on an inadequate road network. The capacity of the existing road network is totally incapable of accommodating the varying demands, volumes and mix of road usage.
There is a dire need for the State to bring about an overall improvement to the road network. This is to be complemented by an integrated road safety enforcement system. This should also be coupled with an efficient and a convenient mode of public transport. This will then discourage the use of unsafe private modes of travel which would not only ease traffic but minimise road traffic accidents as well.
Read the full story by Camillus R Abeygoonewardena
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
Read these and more on tomorrow’s edition of the Sunday Times
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Commodore (retired) M.B.N.A. Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Navy, as the new Commissioner General of Excise.
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