Secretary of the association Chirantha Amarasinghe stated that the fine imposed is more than the monthly fuel expenditure of a motorcyclist.

Furthermore, he stated that the President, Minister of Transport, Minister of Finance and the Inspector General of Police have been notified in writing regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne stated that the bus strike against increasing the fine will take place as scheduled on Tuesday.

Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake says that as it is the government’s responsibility of assuring road safety, the proposed minimum fine on road violations will not be changed. 

He said that lawlessness, including the rampant disregard for road rules, was one of the biggest problems in the country. 

The minister of Finance noted that he has received many proposals during the preparation of the budget calling for discipline in all areas with strict adherence to the laws of the country. 

Responding to a demand being made by private bus owners to abolish the proposed minimum traffic fine of 2,500 rupees, Minister Karunanayake said that the move was aimed at saving thousands of lives of motorists as well as pedestrians. 

He added that Private bus owners standing against the law is unacceptable.

Nearly 3000 Sri Lankans lost their lives due to road accidents last year.

The minister added that in order to prevent this, the proposed fine should be implemented to minimize traffic violations.