Columns

Each day, as dawn breaks over the country’s busy towns and cities, millions of commuters take to the roads—in buses, trains, three-wheelers, motorbikes, and private cars—to earn a living, attend school, or simply go about their daily routines. Yet, behind this everyday bustle lies a grim reality: our roads have become one of the country’s most dangerous spaces.

According to data released by the National Trauma Secretariat ahead of the National Trauma Conference 2025, between six and eight people lose their lives every day in road accidents across the country. More alarmingly, nearly 25,000 people suffer severe, long-term injuries each year, while close to one million people are treated at state hospitals annually for accident-related injuries. The economic and social costs are staggering—not just in medical care, but in lives disrupted, families devastated, and a health system already under strain.

The government has committed, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Meeting this target, however, requires more than good intentions. It demands a sustained, multi-sectoral approach that addresses both human behaviour and systemic failings.

One of the most persistent causes of road accidents in Sri Lanka is reckless and undisciplined driving. Anyone who has travelled along the country’s highways or even the roads of Colombo knows the scene all too well: buses and cars cutting across lanes, motorcycles weaving through traffic, and pedestrians darting across roads without using the crossings.

Long-distance bus drivers, in particular, have been repeatedly cited for endangering lives through reckless overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for road signals. It is not uncommon to see buses blocking entire lanes, endangering both passengers and other vehicles.

In recent months, police reports have also revealed another disturbing trend—the detection of bus drivers under the influence of narcotics. Some drivers reportedly justify drug use by claiming it keeps them awake during long-distance journeys. This is a deeply alarming admission that points to the need for mandatory drug testing and psychological screening of all public transport drivers.

At the same time, three-wheelers and motorcycles, though essential modes of transport for many, have added to road chaos. Their tendency to dart through gaps in traffic, disregard lanes, and break road rules contributes heavily to congestion and accidents. The issue is not merely about enforcement but also about driver education—instilling awareness, courtesy, and responsibility on the roads.

Human error is only part of the problem. Mechanical failures—faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, poor lighting—play a significant role in fatal road crashes. In many tragic cases, the vehicles involved were later found to be unfit for operation.

The government’s recent initiative to inspect and repair idle buses and to introduce a system where officers issue clearance certificates for long-distance vehicles before departure is a welcome move. However, these checks must be made routine and mandatory, rather than ad hoc responses to disasters.

Equally important is the modernisation of the fleet. Many of the buses currently in operation are outdated, uncomfortable, and unsafe. Passengers often endure overcrowded conditions, poor ventilation, and malfunctioning doors and windows. Such conditions not only endanger lives but also discourage citizens from using public transport altogether, pushing more people toward private vehicles and worsening congestion.

Effective policing remains the cornerstone of road safety. Yet, in Sri Lanka, traffic law enforcement remains inconsistent and insufficient. Too often, traffic police are reactive—appearing after accidents rather than preventing them. What is required is visible, continuous policing on highways, city roads, and rural routes alike.

The police should not merely be enforcers but educators—guiding and reminding drivers about lane discipline, speed limits, and the importance of seatbelts and helmets. Regular public awareness campaigns, combined with spot fines and strict penalties for repeat offenders, can gradually shift the culture of indiscipline that has taken root.

Moreover, technology can play a major role. The use of traffic cameras, digital fine systems, and GPS tracking for buses can bring greater accountability. Many countries have reduced fatalities dramatically by integrating real-time monitoring with automated enforcement. There is no reason Sri Lanka cannot do the same.

A safe and comfortable public transport system is not merely a convenience—it is a national necessity. An efficient, affordable, and reliable transport network reduces road congestion, lowers emissions, and saves lives.

In this regard, the inexplicable cancellation of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project by a previous administration was a grave mistake. Planned under the Yahapalana Government with Japanese assistance, the project would have transformed urban mobility, particularly in the congested Western Province. The decision by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government to unilaterally cancel the project, despite significant planning and international goodwill, set back the modernisation of Sri Lanka’s transport system by years.

Revisiting and reviving mass transport options like light rail, electric buses, and improved train services is vital. The sight of commuters still hanging precariously out of trains in 2025 is a national embarrassment. Investment in rail infrastructure—more carriages, punctual services, and better passenger facilities—is essential to make public transport both safe and dignified.

The figures released by the Trauma Secretariat also reveal another dimension: the burden on the public health system. Thousands of accident victims require prolonged hospitalisation, surgeries, and rehabilitation. The cost of treatment for these preventable injuries runs into billions of rupees annually, all borne by the state’s already stretched health budget.

Beyond the economic cost lies the immeasurable social loss—families losing breadwinners, children growing up without parents, and young people disabled for life. These tragedies ripple through communities, eroding productivity and deepening poverty.

If Sri Lanka is serious about halving road deaths by 2030, as pledged, it must adopt a comprehensive national plan for road safety and public transport reform. Such a plan should include:

1. Strict enforcement of traffic laws through technology and constant police presence.

2. Mandatory drug and alcohol testing for all public transport drivers.

3. Regular vehicle inspections and safety certification, especially for long-distance buses.

4. Revival of the light rail project and modernisation of train services to reduce road traffic.

5. Public education campaigns to promote lane discipline, safe crossing, and responsible driving.

6. Improved infrastructure—better road markings, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and sidewalks.

7. Enhanced driver training and licensing standards, with periodic renewals tied to performance and health checks.

These are not radical ideas. They are proven measures that many countries have successfully implemented to reduce road deaths and improve mobility.

Ultimately, road safety is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a shared duty—of drivers, pedestrians, passengers, and policymakers alike. Every individual who takes to the road has a moral obligation to act responsibly and respect the lives of others.

As the National Trauma Conference 2025, themed “Tackling Turbulences: Teaming up for Transformation”, begins in Colombo this week, it is worth remembering that true transformation begins not in conference halls but on the streets—where discipline, respect, and care can turn chaos into order.

If Sri Lanka is to become a modern, safe, and humane society, our roads must reflect those values. Making public transport safer, more comfortable, and more reliable is not just a transport issue—it is a question of national character, dignity, and the sanctity of life itself. (javidyusuf@gmail.com)