Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, his deputy Ashok Abeysinghe, representatives from the police and the trade unions of the transport sector also participated in the discussion. After lengthy discussions, with the agreement of all parties involved in the discussion, 7 major traffic offenses were identified for heavy penalties. Addressing the media after the meeting, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said all participants agreed to increase the minimum fine for the identified road offenses upto Rs.25, 000.

The offences are driving under the influence of liquor, driving without a valid license in possession, allowing a person who does not possess a valid license to drive a vehicle, High speed, Overtake a vehicle from the left, Violation of traffic rules at railway crossings, and Driving without possessing relevant insurance certificates.

Police were instructed to implement the law strictly against motorists who violate these major traffic offenses. It was revealed in this discussion that police have taken legal action against 50,000 individuals for driving without possessing valid licenses and 49,000 for driving under the influence of liquor during last year.

Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister Karunanayake said that there is no intention whatsoever to swell the government revenue by increasing the penalty on the identified major breaching of traffic rules. He stressed that this decision was taken after considering the increasing number of fatal deaths and loss of life due to motor accidents that occur daily.

Meanwhile, the amendments made during the discussion and were agreed by all today will be presented to parliament when the heads of the Transport Ministry will be taken for debate on November 28th, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.