Demerit system to lead to cancellation of driving licences and route permits – Minister

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

A demerit system under which driving licences of habitual traffic offenders and route permits of buses will be cancelled is to be introduced soon to enhance road safety, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday.   

The Minister said some drivers continue to commit traffic offences despite being fined repeatedly. In the case of private buses, owners often replace drivers who are penalized, but the new drivers also go on to commit similar offences. “This has become a frequent occurrence in Sri Lanka today. Therefore, the government has decided to introduce a demerit system under which both driving licences and route permits can be cancelled,” he said.   

Minister Rathnayake noted that 53 per cent of road accidents in Sri Lanka are caused by irresponsible driver behaviour. He also said several new laws would be introduced shortly to further improve road safety. Referring to a common practice among motorists, the Minister said, “We often see fathers driving with their children seated on their laps. Morally, there is nothing wrong with this—it is an expression of love. However, we must prioritize the safety of children. Therefore, laws need to be introduced to prevent children from being seated on the driver’s seat while driving.”   

The Minister further revealed that authorities had identified a scam involving seat belt suppliers, who allegedly hide stocks to create an artificial shortage and increase prices. “We will take action on this issue as well in the near future,” he said.   

Responding to the Minister’s remarks, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilaka said the Opposition would support certain new road safety laws to be introduced. “We usually confront Minister Rathnayake, but today we agree with him. However, road safety should not be viewed on the premise that only the present government has focused on. Previous governments have also taken measures to address road safety,” he said.