Every year, following the onset of monsoon rains, Sri Lanka’s road network becomes a highway to hell for motorists and pedestrians alike. An example of such occurred on Tuesday (19), when a road in Gothatuwa caved in, while submerged in water, creating a deadly trap which nearly cost the lives of a father and daughter who rode into the submerged cavity and narrowly escaped drowning. While Sri Lanka has been facing an economic crisis, with state expenditure being reduced over the last year, the troubles with the road network did not start yesterday. This is not the first time in this year that persons have been “swallowed” by potholes and caving in segments of the pavement. Poorly constructed roads and lack of maintenance has long plagued Sri Lankan motorist, with the poor state of the roads often leading to accidents, mishaps and even deaths. What are the key issues which make roads in Sri Lanka hazardous, especially when it rains?

One of the key reasons for roads to crater and for potholes of form, is poor road construction techniques and substandard material being used by the contractors. This has been an open secret in Sri Lanka for decades, and there is politics behind the tender process which is, in most times, “awarded” to a crony.  As such, shoddy construction using substandard material and a woefully inadequate rainwater collection and drainage systems, often leads to many urban streets being flooded and damaged following rain. Another example of such a situation is at the constantly busy Thunmulla Junction in Colombo. Thunmulla Junction, a key road crossing point in the heart of Colombo, floods quickly when there is even only a few hours of heavy rain, forcing pedestrians and motorcyclists to wade through the wake created by bigger vehicles. Colombo’s water drainage issues have long been known. However, this key infrastructure issue has often been overlooked. With many of the low-lying water collection areas and natural swamps being filled in to make way for sprawling residency neighbourhoods or apartment complexes, when it rains, a large body of water remains trapped in Colombo, unable to drain out to lagoons or exit into rivers which carry them offshore.  Another key reason for roads to become hazardous during the rainy season is the lack of road maintenance, and the fact that most municipalities ignore their duties to keep drains in their respective areas clear of garbage and debris. The lack of suitable drains, and drainage systems in the suburban areas are also a contributor to the issue. This is especially important for the Western Province, due to its high demography and rapid urbanisation, yet there is no formalised and organised drainage system or plan.

According to the Police, in 2022 there were 19,740 road accidents reported in Sri Lanka, of which 2,371 were fatal accidents. However, the Police does not collect information regarding accidents which occur due to the road’s condition. In the first four months of this year, road accidents, some of them caused due to poor road conditions, had cost Sri Lanka over 700 lives. According to the Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa, by end April, 709 persons have died, 2160 sustained serious injuries, due to road accidents. Thalduwa said that among the 709 deaths (as of 30 April), 220 were motorcyclists, 102 were passengers, and 179 were pedestrians. According to the Police, next to speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, road hazards contribute significantly to accidents.

However, roads are not alone to blame, errant drivers, particularly those in public transport are also responsible for many hazards and losses of life that Sri Lanka faces annually. However, the responsibility to ensure that the road network is well maintained and up to standard is the responsibility of the Government, and Local Government bodies. While authorities remain in slumber, how many more motorists and pedestrians have to become victims of such hazards?