The Sri Lanka Police have introduced a strict new policy to combat drunk driving, announcing that drivers arrested for driving under the influence will face a mandatory suspension of their driving licenses for 12 months. In cases where appropriate, the police will also seek a court order to have the driver’s license permanently revoked.
This decision was revealed during a media briefing about the results of an intensive 24-hour traffic operation. The operation, which ran from 6:00 AM on December 25 to 6:00 AM on December 26, focused on enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety during the festive season. During the operation, 395 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In addition to the crackdown on drunk driving, the operation identified several other significant violations. A total of 50 drivers were charged with reckless and dangerous driving, while 120 were cited for speeding. Another 1,262 drivers were found in violation of various traffic regulations, including improper parking and failure to adhere to road signs. Furthermore, 682 individuals were found to be driving without a valid license or were in breach of license-related regulations. In total, the operation resulted in 7,950 violations, reflecting a wide range of traffic offenses.
The operation, which began on December 20, was launched islandwide with the goal of reducing road accidents during the festive season, a time historically associated with higher traffic volumes and accidents. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the police to improve road safety and enforce stricter penalties for traffic offenders.
Acting Inspector General of Police, who issued the directive for this special traffic operation, emphasized that the operation will continue until the end of the festive season, with additional measures expected to be implemented to further curb road violations. The police have urged the public to comply with traffic laws, particularly urging drivers to avoid drinking and driving, and emphasized the serious consequences for those caught violating these laws.
