Reckless motorcyclists to face strict police action

All police stations in Sri Lanka have been ordered to arrest motorcyclists who ride in a dangerous and illegal manner on main roads, according to W. P. J. Senadeera, the Deputy Inspector General of Police responsible for Traffic Control and Road Safety. During a media briefing on the 20th, DIG Senadeera mentioned that reports indicate high-capacity motorcycles are also being used for dangerous riding. As a result, police have been instructed to seize these motorcycles and initiate court proceedings for their confiscation. He stressed that motorcycles should be used for safe transportation, not for racing on public roads, which puts pedestrians at risk and disrupts law-abiding drivers. DIG Senadeera highlighted a concerning trend among young people, calling it extremely dangerous, and directed traffic officers to take tough action against riders who speed recklessly. He also raised alarms about the rising number of underage riders, noting that recent accidents involved minors operating motorcycles without licenses. Additionally, he pointed out that some funeral processions are now using motorcycles, with riders sometimes not wearing helmets, which further endangers public safety. DIG Senadeera concluded by stating that the police must strictly enforce the law, especially against high-capacity motorcycles, which will be seized and brought to court to be declared state property.