The Sri Lanka Police has announced new regulations for organizations providing three-wheelers for rentals to tourists, in a bid to minimize road accidents.
According to the Police, along with an increase in tourists driving three-wheelers in Sri Lanka, the rate of accidents involving such three-wheelers has also gone up.Â
Inquiries into these incidents have found that the tourists do not possess the necessary training or licences to drive three-wheelers.Â
As such, the Sri Lanka Police has announced that a tourist must carry either one of the following three documents when renting three-wheelers;
- A valid Sri Lankan driving licence
- A valid international licence accepted in Sri Lanka (which includes the three-wheeler category)
- A valid driving licence from their respective country Â
Stating that some three-wheeler rental companies are utilising the lack of proper documents to earn money, the Sri Lanka Police warned that legal action will be initiated for the failure to adhere to the new regulations.
In the event a tourist is found to be driving a three-wheeler without the essential licences, the Police have been authorized to record a statement from the owner of the three-wheeler and thereafter, file a case against them.
The Police further said that providing a three-wheeler to a person without a valid licence is a punishable offence, for which a fine of Rs. 25,000 can be imposed.Â
Companies providing three-wheelers on rentals to tourists have been urged to verify the necessary valid licences prior to renting out their vehicles. (Islandnews)
