• Breathalyser devices provided to Police officers across the country 
• Drivers should also be more vigilant when driving across railway crossings

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

In the wake of the fatal accident in Passara on Saturday, the police launched a month-long operation to nab those violating road traffic violations.  Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the operation was launched from Saturday (20) and strict action would be taken against those driving under influence of alcohol and reckless driving especially during the upcoming festive season. 

He said the police officers across the country have been provided with breathalyser devices used to measure blood alcohol content. 

DIG Rohana said the traffic police division has additional stock of 65,000 breathalyser devices if required.  The police were instructed to charge passenger bus drivers who engage in racing with other bus drivers under reckless driving. 

The spokesman said drivers should also be more vigilant when driving across railway crossings.  He said according to the statistics, it is revealed that on average ten road deaths are being reported daily.   Fourteen passengers were killed and another 31 persons were injured when a passenger bus skidded off the road and plunged down a precipice at the 13th milepost on the Moneragala-Badulla Road at Passara on Saturday morning. 

The traffic police division has additional stock of 65,000 breathalyser devices if required.  The police were instructed to charge passenger bus drivers who engage in racing with other bus drivers under reckless driving