Archives

WPC approves three wheeler statute

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The Western Provincial Council (WPC) three wheeler service bureau statute presented to the council by the Western Province Agriculture, Lands and Transport Minister, Lasantha Alagiyawanna was adopted with certain amendments at the WPC meeting yesterday.

WPC Chairman Jagath Angage presided.

Tabling the statute the Minister said people have faced difficulties due to the lack of a responsible state institution to look into the over 100,000 three wheelers in the province.

This statute was introduced to provide a better service to the public and identify the hardships faced by both drivers and three wheeler owners.

He said that in order to provide an effective service to the public, three wheeler drivers should be made more contended by providing solutions to their problems.

The Ministry has already discussed with the representatives of the All Island Three Wheeler Owners Association to make this endeavour a success.

"Over 100,000 three wheelers in the Western Province transport over 600,000 people daily. In addition 70 per cent of accident victims are brought to hospital by three wheelers," the Minister said.

Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne (NLF) said three wheelers play a vital role to cater to the essential needs of poor people. This is a good initiative taken by the WPC to formalise the service. We should formulate a statute as an example to the entire country.

He said specially when the people get stranded at night, the three wheeler is their only saviour. Various complaints are made against three wheeler drivers while three wheelers are allegedly used for various crimes. This statute will prevent use three wheelers for such crimes and ensure the safety of drivers.

Opposition Leader Kithsiri Kahatapitiya said due to lack of a state institution to control three wheelers, Police, local government institutions and even thugs try to handle these vehicles. "We should thank the Western Province Transport Minister for bringing this statute to legalise this service."

Piyasiri Wijenayake (JVP) said special units should be set up by this statute for public transport. If one separate institution operates for all types of vehicles which conducts public transport within the province, it would immensely benefit commuters.

Piyasena Dissanayake (MEP) said three wheeler owners in Colombo and suburbs have faced various harassments at the hands of Police. This attempt taken by the WPC would enable three wheeler drivers to conduct their livelihood without hindrance. Various incentives should also be given to improve the three wheeler industry.

Keerthi Udawatta (PA) said children are transported to schools by a large number of vans. Therefore this bureau should start with three wheelers and later expand to cover other transport sectors. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager