For 76 long years—seven and a half decades—the people of Sri Lanka have borne the brunt of countless hardships. Only the millions of ordinary citizens who cast their votes to bring President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his National People’s Power (NPP) Government to power truly grasp the weight of these struggles. The privileged few, ensconced in their lives of luxury and comfort, remain blissfully ignorant of the trials faced by the common man. ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme emerges against this backdrop.
The media, true to form, amplifies the grievances of three-wheel drivers, private bus operators, and other vested interest groups concerning the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme. Yet, it rarely lends an ear to the voice of the ordinary people. Citizen Perera, however, welcomes the initiative with open arms. It is a blessing in disguise for them. They alone understand the daily ordeal of dealing with unruly three-wheel drivers and reckless private bus operators.
The necessity of addressing vehicle safety is not a newfound concern. Years ago, a tragic accident involving a bus transporting KDU students claimed several lives and left many injured. It epitomises the urgent need to eliminate hazardous vehicle modifications.
Sri Lanka Police have taken commendable steps to educate passenger transport crews on the dangers of using vehicles fitted with illegal modifications—flashing lights of garish colours, blaring horns, loud silencers, and other unnecessary additions that turn roads into death traps. This is an approach that deserves applause and must continue uninterrupted.
Most passenger-carrying three-wheelers are adorned with colourful materials resembling animal fur. These decorations might catch the eye, but they pose a health risk to passengers. Tiny fragments tend to break off and float during the journey, triggering allergic reactions. Similarly, the overpowering air fresheners used in some three-wheelers leave many passengers gasping for fresh air. Adding insult to injury, the metal embellishments fixed to these vehicles make getting in and out a challenging task. Worse still, these decorative additions can become deadly in the event of an accident.
The most egregious issue, however, is not these inconveniences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for precautions was paramount, most three-wheeler drivers failed to install even a simple sheet of polythene to separate passengers from drivers. This failure persisted despite repeated recommendations from medical consultants. A handful of drivers made a half-hearted effort, using flimsy polythene that barely lasted a few weeks. Only a rare, conscientious few went the extra mile, installing high-quality, framed partitions stitched securely with belts. These commendable individuals kept these safety measures intact even after the pandemic had subsided, proving their genuine concern for their own safety, their families, and, above all, their passengers.
On the other hand, private buses take the cake when it comes to harassment. Most buses are equipped with oversized speakers—mounted on both sides and even under passenger seats—that blast deafening music. The noise pollution is enough to set passengers’ hearts racing, quite literally. For those with heart conditions or a need for quiet, stepping onto a private bus feels like walking into a lion’s den. Forget answering an urgent phone call during the ride, the travel itself is an impossible feat.
When passengers muster the courage to politely request the conductor or driver to lower the volume—perhaps to take an important call or because they’re feeling unwell—they are often met with hostility. It’s not uncommon for them to be unceremoniously booted off the bus before reaching their destination. Meanwhile, the well-heeled few, cruising in their V8s, remain blissfully unaware of the daily torment endured by ordinary citizens at the hands of these rogue private bus operators.
Having said that, no matter what anyone says, the millions of innocent, hardworking people who cast their votes for the NPP Government are wholeheartedly rallying behind the full implementation of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme.
The time has come to put an end to the chaos on our roads. It’s high time we clean it up—not just our streets, but the very systems that allow reckless transport operators to put lives at risk. The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme offers just the hope for a future where dignity take precedence. Let us rally behind this cause as the everyday citizens whose voices have long been ignored.
It’s time to clean up our act—for the sake of our safety, our families, and our country’s future.
