Rs. 10 mn for traffic police to buy test kits to net drunk drivers

The National Council for Road Safety, which is under the Transport Ministry, today provided Rs. 10 million to the Sri Lanka Police to purchase test kits to apprehend errant motorists who drive after consuming alcohol.

The decision was taken following a request made by the Public Security Ministry to procure the required test kits for the Traffic Police to control road accidents and to find drivers using drugs.

Although the number of road accidents is high, according to the analysis of accidents that have taken place in recent past. The data from the Sri Lanka Traffic Police confirms that the number of drunk drivers has been low. In recent years, drivers have become addicted to consuming, chewing or puffing drugs. This was confirmed by the Traffic Police and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.

After purchasing the new kits, people who drive after consuming alcohol will be netted.

A cheque for Rs. 10 million was handed over to Public Defence Minister Sarath Weerasekera by Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge at the Public Defence Ministry in Battaramulla. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)