2360 casualties due to road accidents in 2018

Colombo (News1st): Deputy Minister of Law and Order Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said that 2,360 people have died so far this year due to motor accidents. The deputy minister noted that 778 died due to motorbike accidents while 722 victims were pedestrians. 18,491 people have died in the past 7 years due to road accidents. The Deputy Minister went on to note that steps should be taken to minimize the number of accidents. During the briefing, views were also expressed regarding the IGP. Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara stated that they have not yet been informed that the IGP plans on retiring or stepping down. He added that when there is a weak IGP, the finger is pointed at the police, through that the government gets a bad reputation. Journalists questioned the veracity of claims that IGP Pujith Jayasundara stands to receive a posting as an ambassador when he steps down. The deputy minister noted that he had no heard of such a proposal and added that the IGP still has 2 years remaining in his tenure.