By Dear President Dissanayake,
I have spent over seven decades walking the streets of this beautiful island, and each day, I encounter the same dangers. Pedestrians like myself risk our lives due to the state of the roads, the lack of proper infrastructure, and the disregard for our safety. While I understand the importance of economic development, it must not come at the cost of human lives. It is time for us to prioritize the safety of every person, regardless of whether they walk, ride, or drive.
There are several urgent issues that need attention to make Sri Lanka’s roads safer for everyone, especially pedestrians:
Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians are often left to navigate dangerous roads with no proper infrastructure. According to government statistics, nine people die in road accidents daily in Sri Lanka, with pedestrians accounting for a significant portion of these fatalities. In 2023, nearly 1,000 pedestrian deaths were recorded. The government must prioritize pedestrian safety by ensuring sidewalks are wide enough, crossings are well-marked and accessible, and pedestrians are protected from the dangers posed by vehicles.
Lack of Infrastructure: The lack of pedestrian infrastructure, such as safe, unobstructed sidewalks and clearly marked pedestrian crossings, is a grave issue. Currently, in many urban and rural areas, sidewalks are too narrow or blocked by vendors, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk safely. Roads should be redesigned to accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, ensuring the safety of all road users.
Traffic Calming Measures: We need to implement traffic calming measures such as raised crossings, speed bumps, and stricter speed limits in residential and heavily trafficked areas. Research has shown that roads with traffic calming measures see a significant reduction in pedestrian accidents. For example, in areas with speed bumps, pedestrian fatalities can be reduced by as much as 20%. These measures would help reduce high-speed driving, making roads safer for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Clear Road Signs and Signage: Clear and visible road signs must be placed at key locations to improve safety. Currently, poor signage leads to confusion for both drivers and pedestrians. According to a 2022 report by the Road Development Authority (RDA), over 30% of accident-prone zones lack adequate signage. Clear markings for pedestrian crossings, school zones, and accident-prone areas are essential for safety.
Public Transport and Road Design: I believe that improving public transport and road design is crucial. Sri Lanka has one of the highest vehicle-per-capita ratios in South Asia, leading to increased congestion. If we invested in more efficient and modern public transport systems, such as dedicated bus lanes and more frequent buses, we could reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Studies show that cities with well-organized public transport systems see a 25% reduction in road accidents. This would not only make commuting more efficient but would also reduce congestion and create space for safer pedestrian travel.
Government Action for Road Safety: We cannot afford to wait any longer. Urgent action must be taken to address these concerns. The government must invest in better road infrastructure, enforce stricter traffic laws, and ensure that both vehicles and pedestrians have designated, safe spaces on the roads. The RDA has identified over 50 “black spots” on highways and main roads, areas where accidents happen frequently. More action is needed to address these high-risk areas.
In addition to these structural changes, I ask you, Mr. President, to fearlessly deploy the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that road safety is enforced across the nation. We cannot allow ourselves to be deterred by protests from reckless drivers or their supporters. These drivers must be held accountable for their actions, and road safety should not turn into a witch-hunt against private bus drivers, who are often unfairly labeled as villains. It is time for constructive dialogue, where all parties involved—drivers, law enforcement, and the government—work together to create a system where drivers do not feel the need to race against one another for survival. We need a system that focuses on safety, cooperation, and mutual respect rather than competition and dangerous driving.
Please, Mr. President, consider these points carefully. The future of our nation’s safety lies in the small but significant steps we take today. Roads should not only be made safer for vehicles but must also ensure that pedestrians are protected, as they are the most vulnerable road users. With nine deaths every day, we simply cannot afford to delay any longer.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Pedestrian
