Most private bus drivers sleepy or drunk

Nadira Gunatilleke

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday observed that innocent people get killed while walking or traveling on roads because of the negligence of drivers adding that he himself had first hand experience of road indicipline when a private bus hit his vehicle and sped off one night while another vehicle had to be chased 10 miles to get it stopped.

Addressing a special press briefing at the National Blood Centre, Colombo 5 yesterday, Minister Sirisena said that most of the drivers are sleepy , too tired to drive or under the influence of liquor. They drive 24 hour or more in order to claim over time or because of pressure by employers. However, according to scientific findings, the maximum duration for a one way drive should be two or two and half hours. “I always stop my drivers after this duration of time. Not stopping for a break is one of the main reasons for the rapid increasing in road accidents’, he said.

Minister Sirisena also pointed out that usually it is politicians who are blamed for not doing their duty and being irresponsible. But all CCTV cameras installed in a leading institution which earn billions of rupees, were damaged by high officials after a very short time of installation. It was not peons who broke them. It was the higher ups. This is how some officials do their duty with 'dedication’ and honesty. So there is no need to talk about finger print machines installed in offices to mark sign in and sign out.

Minister Sirisena pointed out that this year, Rs 125 billion was allocated to the health sector in addition to various other grants received from International agencies. In 2013, priority will be given to put a full stop to drugs and alcohol prevention together with combating Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

There are 104 trade unions in the health sector and most of the problems are being created due to the competition among them and various divisions among them. The policy of the ministry is granting all demands that are possible and justifiable. But The Finance Ministry/Treasury has its own common policy that is applicable to all. Certain matters are beyond the control of the Health Ministry.