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Vehicle exportation as a solution for sustainable traffic balance: Sagala
To ensure a sustainable balance in the number of vehicles on the road, there's a need to consider exporting a certain quantity of vehicles from the country, the Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff to President Sagala Ratnayaka said.
Addressing a speech at the "Safe Roads - Safe Children" International Road Safety Conference-2023, which took place in Colombo he said it is essential to explore the adoption of electric vehicles as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel or petrol vehicles.
"The President appointed a committee to formulate a policy on vehicle imports and the committee would evaluate whether the country should adopt an open policy on vehicle imports or implement a system similar to Singapore, where a fixed number of permits are issued each year for vehicle imports," he said.
This consideration should encompass factors like the future economic landscape and the state of the road infrastructure. The issue of road accidents also holds significant importance in this context. Consequently, the committee will engage in discussions with various stakeholders to formulate relevant plans.
“The scope of work is extensive and I firmly believe that now is the opportune moment to address these concerns. As a result, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will expeditiously establish a high-level committee dedicated to preventing and managing road accidents, along with their associated fatalities and disabilities" he said.
I should note that we have facilitated a meeting between the Sri Lanka Medical Association's (SLMA) Road Accident Prevention Expert Committee and the President to further delve into this matter. I extend my gratitude to all individuals who have tirelessly contributed to this cause.”
Meanwhile Ratnayaka said that an outright ban on three-wheelers is not feasible overnight, given the significant impact on the livelihoods of many and the transportation needs of the public.
Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive plan to gradually enhance the safety of three-wheelers until the country's economy reaches a more developed stage. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)
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