Smart card driving licence will see drop in accidents - PM

Irangika RANGE

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said yesterday that the Government has taken a prudent decision to issue a new driving licence despite criticism .

Over 2,200 people die annually due to reckless driving by both licenced and unlicenced drivers and those with forged licence, he said. The number of deaths due to reckless driving can be brought down with the introduction of the smart card driving licence, he said.

Addressing a ceremony to launch the new smart card driving licence at the Motor Traffic Department in Werahera yesterday, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction on the utilisation of modern technology for the benefit of the society despite criticism and objections.

“It was due to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s decision we were able to defeat terrorism despite local and international challenges. Today terrorism is on the verge of being eradicated from the Sri Lankan soil due to the President’s bold decision,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the world was changing rapidly and the latest technology should be utilised to meet people’s needs.

“The new smart card will prevent a number of accidents caused due to reckless driving,” Prime Minister Wickramanayaka said.

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the introduction of the new driving licences will turn a new chapter in the transport sector which will lead the country to a well mannered and disciplined driving culture.

“We had an efficient and effective public transport system in the 1970s and it collapsed due to certain decisions and undue involvement.

“As a responsible Government we are committed to do correct things despite criticism and allegations,” he said.

“The new smart card driving licence would vastly benefit the society though it will take sometime for the public to realise it,” Alahapperuma said.

He said the smart card will provide demerit points on the offenses committed by the driver.