Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan says a case has been filed against Ramanathan Lochana at the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, stating it did not involve him.

Providing an update to the media after reporting to the court today, MP Archchuna said that the authorities were looking for an individual named Ramanathan Lochana.

“It is not me. The name has been entered as Ramanathan Lochana,” he said, informing the reporters to watch his social media video for information on the incident related to the case. 

MP Archchuna Ramanathan also shared a statement on Facebook, criticising the Police for not being able to recognize a Parliamentarian and failing to record the correct name of an individual involved in an incident. 

The Jaffna District MP reported to the Anuradhapura Court today after a case was filed against him accusing him of obstructing police duties in the Rambewa area.

According to a viral video on social media, MP Archchuna was seen refusing to cooperate with traffic Police officers after he was stopped because his vehicle was equipped with unauthorized VIP lights.

The MP was seen verbally abusing the traffic Police officers when they attempted to brief him on the traffic violation. Soon after, a case was filed with the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, with Police Spokesman Buddhika Manatunga stating that legal action had been initiated against the MP.

When the case was taken up for hearing today, however, it was postponed to 03 February due to the suspect being unable to be located. 

Via a motion submitted to the court, MP Archchuna has reportedly pointed out that the case had been filed against Ramanathan Lochana, while his driving licence contains the name Archchuna Ramanathan. 

The MP said that the Court had then informed the Police to find the correct suspect and report to the court. (Newswire)

The post Wrong name : Archchuna says no case against him (Video) appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the introduction of a consolidated electronic system to streamline the collection of fines for traffic offences that do not require court appearances and to implement a driver negative marking system for traffic law violations.

The initiative is expected to improve efficiency in the collection of fines and enforcement of traffic regulations.

Following a call for proposals through a dual-envelope system to select a suitable supplier, nine bidders submitted their resolutions, the government said.

Based on recommendations from the negotiation committee, the Cabinet approved a joint venture between Millennium I.T.E.S.P. (Pvt.) Ltd and Metropolitan Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd to carry out the project. (Newswire)

The post Cabinet approves joint venture to implement electronic traffic fine system appeared first on Newswire.

Fines have been imposed on over 4,500 motorists who were identified through the CCTV system in Colombo city for having violated traffic rules, it was reported.

According to Mawbima newspaper, Police CCTV Division DIG Thushara Gamlath said CCTV evidence of motorists has been handed over to relevant Police Stations to impose the fine.

DIG Thushara Gamlath further said the highest number of traffic violations have been reported at the Borella Junction, while most of those found guilty are three-wheeler and bus drivers. 

Sri Lanka Police launched an initiative to track traffic violations via CCTV footage in February this year, by installing 106 CCTV cameras in 33 prominent spots in the Western province, including Borella and Narahenpita. 

Traffic violations such as violating lane rules, not obeying traffic signals, parking at prohibited places and driving despite red lights at traffic signals were monitored by CCTV cameras.

DIG Thushara Gamlath revealed the CCTV initiative has resulted in a significant reduction in traffic violations. (Newswire)

The post Traffic violations : Over 4,500 motorists fined under Police CCTV system appeared first on Newswire.

The demerit points system for traffic violations will be implemented from April 10, 2024, State Minister of Transport, Lasantha Alagiyawanna announced.

He said post offices handling traffic violation fines will transmit details such as the offence’s nature, the respective police station, driving license particulars, and contact number to the National Council for Road Safety’s data system. 

Using this information, the National Council for Road Safety will send text messages and accident-related videos to the relevant phone numbers through WhatsApp.

The State Minister pointed out that it has been acknowledged that promoting awareness to reduce traffic accidents must begin at the school level. 

As a result, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Public Security will collaboratively launch road safety forums in every school from April 03, 2024.

Additionally, a plan has been devised to reward school students with medals at different grade levels based on their involvement in practical activities, leading up to the President’s medal. 

Furthermore, it is anticipated that recipients of the Presidential Medal will be exempt from the written exam when applying for driving licenses.

State Minister Alagiyawanna further said that steps are also being taken to set up road safety forums within the colleges of education and implement similar initiatives. 

He added that provisions for raising awareness about road accidents and traffic rules at preschools are also being arranged by providing necessary facilities.

State Minister Alagiyawanna made the announcement while addressing a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre on Friday (Mar 22). (NewsWire)

The post Traffic violations : Demerit points system in April appeared first on Newswire.