• Cite gazette regulations permitting installation of certain modification parts, and impact on safari tourism  
• DMT CG confirms the same, says regulations on buses sent to P’ment  

Automobile component importers and vehicle modifiers have raised concerns regarding the vehicle inspections conducted under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative. 

They claim that three-wheelers have been authorised to modify their vehicles through a special licensing system implemented by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) via a Gazette notification. 

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday (8), former Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama stated that many three-wheeler drivers had paid a fee to the DMT and obtained a licence to install certain modified items as permitted by the Gazette issued during the previous Government. 

“An expert committee decided on this, and 30 items were allowed under the particular Gazette. Even the Commissioner General (CG) of Motor Traffic announced this in a media statement. We took steps to introduce similar provisions for four-wheel vehicles, but it could not be finalised. However, those details are still available in the DMT Technical Unit,” he said. 

He also claimed that the Police Department had been informed of the said system and that inspections were being conducted with full awareness of the existing regulations. 

“We prepared a special handbook on this and distributed it among Police officers, complete with pictures. Therefore, they should be fully aware of these regulations. If any driver has obtained the said licence by paying for the approved items listed on the licence, those items cannot be removed. Legal action can be taken if such removals occur,” he stated.

He further noted that DMT examiners recently inspected modified buses and instructed owners to obtain licence for the modified items by paying a specified fee. 

“We have no objection to the removal of hazardous items. However, some incidents shown on television are unacceptable. Certain modifications are made to ensure passenger safety. The Government should not conduct such inspections without establishing a clear mechanism and without proper awareness of the existing regulations. If the aim is to discipline drivers, there are other ways to achieve that. We had been working on introducing a passenger transport licence to regulate drivers of passenger buses. The DMT already has all the relevant information. If the Government wishes, they can implement it now,” he added.

Meanwhile, a representative for off-road vehicle modifiers, Sam Chandrasena stated that the Government’s actions would negatively impact the livelihoods of many individuals involved in the sector. He also stressed that all stakeholders should be consulted before making such decisions. He further pointed out that the tourism industry would also be significantly affected, as many safari jeeps and other vehicles are being inspected by the Police, in turn discouraging those in the sector.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (8), Motor Traffic CG Nishantha Weerasingha said that the items fixed under the obtained licences cannot be removed by the Police, stating that such removals are illegal. He stated that the drivers who have such licence can take legal action against such removals. He also noted that a similar process is followed by the DMT regarding buses, and that the relevant regulations are yet to be sent to the Parliament. 

Attempts made to contact Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Indika Hapugoda proved futile.