The amendments to the Motor Traffic Act have imposed severe penalties
on motorist who consume alcohol and drive motor vehicles. Consumption of
alcohol in small quantities is not an offence. The percentage of alcohol
in the blood should be over 0.08 percent. The Police use a breathalyzer
to ascertain the content of alcohol in the blood.
The Police have to prove that the motorist has consumed alcohol
beyond the legal limit. To obtain proof of this fact the suspects are
produced before a medical officer, who issues a report on the state of
intoxication. At present the breathalyzer is used to obtain proof of the
content of alcohol in the blood. According to Dr. L P Bosman, one can
fall into any one of these categories after consuming alcohol
1) 0.0 to 0.08% - not under the influence of alcohol
2) 0.1 to 0.15% - border line cases
3) 0.15 to 0.25% - definitely under the influence of alcohol
4) 0.25 to 0.35% - very drunk
5) 0.35 to 0.45% - paralytically drunk
6) 0.45% -------- - in a coma and on the verge of death
Several articles have been written about the accuracy of the
breathalyzer as the level of tolerance can vary with the constitution of
a person and even the climate.
Penalties can vary from fines of over Rs. 3000/= to jail terms if
motorists meet with an accident after consuming alcohol and cause
grievous injury to a third party or death . Court is also empowered by
law to suspend the driving licence of motorists after conviction for
offences committed under the influence of alcohol. Very often motorists
who have consumed alcohol are detained in the police station and
produced in Court day after.
Anton Fernando
Attorney-at-Law
A service station at Rathanapitiya sells a litre of engine oil at Rs
450 whereas the same oil is sold at Rs 380 at all filling stations. Just
on one litre the public is fleeced by Rs 70.
A similar incident was highlighted in the Citizens Mail recently
where the RMV charges Rs 28.500 for re- registration of old vehicles of
the series 18 - and 19 - whereas only Rs 13.500 is charged for
registering a new vehicle. When this was brought to the notice of the
Transport Minister he referred it to the Motor Traffic Commissioner who
was humble enough to call me personally and say that he was helpless in
the matter as it is a Cabinet decision.
However it is sad to notice that revenue is collected by fleecing the
public in this manner.
Fleeced citizen
The recent decision of UDA coming under the Defence Ministry is a
very encouraging move. The public have more confidence in the Defence
Ministry in regard to its role in public life and now in the development
sphere.
It would be encouraging if the Defense establishment could spearhead
a programme with the powers vested with the UDA to remove all
obstructions caused by few housing scheme occupants to the common roads
in schemes due to unauthorized encroachments which encompasses the
public utility roads to expand their own individual extents of the
housing area whereby depriving other road users of the privilege of
using the roads.
Supun Seneviratne
The garbage dumping ground in Nagoda area within Kalutara UC limits
is a health hazard.
The garbage, spoil the environment and the odour is unbearable.
The public urged the relevant authorities to expedite the
recycle-plant's work or shift the garbage dumping ground elsewhere.
C M Kamburawala
Some people do not know how to use a mobile phone. They must be aware
that there is a place for everything. The public should not use mobile
phones while crossing the road or while driving as this can result in
tragedy.
This incident occurred due to driver using the mobile phone while
driving. The bus was plying from Hatton to Dayagama. While the bus was
speeding, passing other vehicles, the driver answered a call on his
mobile phone. Holding the steering wheel from one hand, he answered the
phone. As he could not control the vehicle from one hand the bus fell
down a steep place resulting in a disaster. Mobile phones are important
to us but we should know when and how to use it.
Gunasiri Hallalaarachchi - Udugampola
In the midst of Sri Lanka being one of the favorite destinations for
tourist arrivals today, I admire the timely needed work performed by the
Heli Tours.I approached “Heli Tours” for tour arrangements for my
relatives who came from Singapore and Australia .
I was very curious, rather inquisitive to know how the things will
take place from Palali air port to their destination in Jaffna, since
they had the language problem, not knowing a single word of Sinhala or
Tamil, and also were in a solitary state
with no assistant to guide them. When I explained this situation, to
“Heli Tours” Colombo, they explained, if they cannot proceed from Jaffna
city, Air Force personnel will take care of them and help them to
arrange transport to the required destination. It is with admiration, I
wish to mention that the Air Force personnel who were handling the
tourists at that end, have extended tremendous support.They were
accompanied with best protection to the required destination and also
keen that they were placed in a suitable atmosphere.The support given by
the “Heli Tours” was par excellence, and they could not imagine how
friendly, helpful and courteous they were.
Mangalika Wijetunge
|
