On an invitation by State Minister for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna, a delegation from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) which comprised Dhammika Attygalle (President), Keerthi Gunawardane (Vice President), MP Piyankara Jayaratne (Vice Patron) and Devapriya Hettiarachchi (Secretary) met at the State Ministry of Transport at D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha on 12th July 2023.
The purpose of the discussion was to ascertain the services and the facilities provided by the Association and also the Association’s future plans regarding the Road Safety Projects. The Association provided a PowerPoint presentation of the facilities and services it provides and pointed out that it was the voice of the motorists and its motto is “Partner in Motoring ”.
The Association emphasised that they are involved in the UN Decade of Action 2010-2020 that has been extended till 2030 and they annually carry out at least one or two Road Safety Projects.
The Road Safety Projects are inclusive of workshops and seminars not only for the motorists but also for all road users including schoolchildren.
The State Minister then suggested the Association provide a Road Map to the Ministry in regard to the future programme of the Road Safety Projects.
He also pointed out that at present the data recorded with regard to the Road accidents and the fatalities and injuries, collected by the Department of Police, Insurance Companies, Road Development Authority, Department of Motor Traffic and National Road Safety Council, but there is no consistency and accuracy in that data. He therefore requested whether the Association could develop a Software for this purpose so that an accurate date could be provided from a responsible organisation.
The State Minister said that the Department of Motor Traffic intends to extend their services and proposed to establish a counter in the Katunayake Air Port Arrival Terminal to issue Temporary Driving License to foreigners to drive in Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to the Association whether they could also have their operations together with the Department.
He also inquired whether the AAC wished to change the incorporation Act no. 19 of 1957. But delegates of the Association do not want to give up their identity as it is a state recognized incorporation.