Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic Administration and Road Safety) Indika Hapugoda says that 128,000 motorists have been arrested this year for driving under the influence of alcohol.
He said the arrests were made under the special operation launched to crack down on drunk driving, with the law strictly enforced against offenders.
DIG Hapugoda noted that drunk driving remains the leading cause of road accidents in Sri Lanka. According to police records, 1,781 accidents have been reported so far this year, resulting in 1,891 deaths.
He further stated that three-wheeler drivers and motorcyclists make up the majority of those caught driving under the influence.
Sri Lanka records between 28,000 and 30,000 road accidents annually, with over 7,000 people sustaining serious injuries. Of these, about 15% suffer severe head injuries, the DIG added.
