115 children lost, young workforce losing their lives or facing disabilities

A total of 115 children have tragically lost their lives as a result of road accidents in Sri Lanka during this year, Expert Committee to Prevent Road Accidents Chairman Prof. Samath Dharmaratne said.

Addressing a speech at the "Safe Roads—Safe Children" International Road Safety Conference 2023, he said young individuals between the ages of 15 and 44, who form the workforce critical for the country's development, are often the victims of these accidents, either losing their lives or facing disabilities.

About 3,000 individuals lose their lives in road accidents in Sri Lanka each year, and this concerning trend appears to be on the rise.

In comparison to future accidents, the number of fatalities and individuals suffering from disabilities resulting from road accidents will surge by thousands, leading to substantial economic losses for the country, Prof. Dharmaratne said.

Therefore, several discussions were held over the formation of a committee aimed at preventing and controlling road accidents, along with the associated deaths and disabilities.

The discussions at the conference covered various aspects such as education, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement in relation to road safety.

There is an urgent need for the establishment of a high-level committee dedicated to the prevention and management of road accidents and their related consequences.

He acknowledged several critical issues, starting with the problem of reckless driving. Vehicles, such as three-wheelers commonly used in the country, fail to meet adequate safety standards.

However, the event drew attention to the necessity of a high-level committee headed by the President's Office or personally appointed by the President for this purpose. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)