• 9,000 cops deployed daily including spl. teams for ‘stern and swift’ action  
• To arrest/control speeding, reckless/dangerous driving, unmaintained vehicles 

The Police stated that there is no time to advise or warn motorists anymore, and that hence, stern action will be taken against those who violate traffic laws.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said that the country has 9,000 traffic Police officers who are now being directed to ensure that all traffic violations are strictly dealt with. He added that special teams are deployed daily to arrest or control instances of speeding, reckless and dangerous driving, and to check whether vehicles are in a proper condition.

“If any motorist violates traffic laws, stern and swift action will be taken against them. There is no time for us to advise and warn them. We have given them plenty of time to correct their behaviour. The Police are there to ensure public safety, and we will strictly stick to it. We also aim to ensure that all motorists are genuine and honest, and that road safety is taken seriously," he added.

Traffic-related violations have been on the rise in recent times, with a significant number of accidents linked to speeding, negligence, and drunk driving. Police statistics show that alcohol consumption by drivers remains one of the major contributors to fatal road accidents.

According to World Bank data, Sri Lanka records an average of 38,000 road crashes each year, with nearly 3,000 deaths and 8,000 serious injuries. The country’s annual road crash death rate per capita is the highest among its South Asian neighbours and is five times higher than the best-performing countries globally. Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal target of halving road crash fatalities by 2030 is expected to require an investment of nearly United States Dollars 2 billion over the next decade.