Over 8,000 police officers have been deployed for traffic duties across Sri Lanka as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations get underway.
Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera, who heads the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, announced the deployment on Sunday. He warned drivers to strictly refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and to follow all expressway safety protocols during the busy festive period.
The deployment comes as road fatalities during the Avurudu season have already reached alarming levels. According to a ministerial report, 49 people were killed in road accidents in just one week leading up to the holiday. On a single day earlier this week, six people were killed in separate accidents.
The traffic operation runs alongside a broader tri-forces security programme launched on April 10 covering public spaces, transport hubs and entertainment venues.
Police have also activated expressway CCTV monitoring and are encouraging the public to report reckless driving via WhatsApp. An Avurudu liquor ban is in effect on April 13 and 14.
Authorities have urged motorists returning from the holiday to use the special bus and train services arranged for the post-Avurudu travel rush rather than driving under fatigue.
