Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that law enforcement should begin with public education, stating that police must first educate citizens on rules and regulations before taking punitive action.
Speaking at the launch of the road safety awareness campaign ‘Take Care – Let’s Be Safe on the Road’ at Royal College, Colombo, the Prime Minister underscored the need for a compassionate and informed approach to traffic safety.
The initiative, organized by the Clean Sri Lanka Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sri Lanka Police, aims to reduce road accidents through public awareness and education.
Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that preventing road accidents is not just a legal responsibility but a moral duty, urging all citizens to act with empathy and take personal responsibility for preserving life on the roads.
Citing alarming statistics, she revealed that approximately seven people die every day in road accidents in Sri Lanka—deaths that could largely be prevented with greater awareness and commitment.
She highlighted the importance of setting an example: parents must model responsible behavior, drivers must prioritize safety, and children must be educated about traffic rules from a young age.
The Prime Minister noted that road safety is about more than just rule-following; it is about creating a society rooted in compassion, responsibility, and mutual respect.
She concluded by stating that the government’s vision for a safer Sri Lanka depends not only on enforcement but on nurturing a culture of care and awareness through education.
