Business
Don’t Drive Blind! – A Road Safety Initiative to Curb Distracted Driving in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a country renowned for its scenic beauty, faces a grim reality on its roads. With over 3,500 road accident deaths annually, 9,000 critical accidents, and 12,000 minor accidents, the need for urgent action to enhance road safety cannot be overstated.
The rampant use of mobile phones while driving, consistently topping the list of traffic offenses in Colombo and Galle districts in both 2019 and 2022, has become a grave concern. It’s high time we addressed this alarming habit that has taken root in our society and adopt global best practices to ensure the safety of all road users.
Enter the Drive in the Moment road safety initiative, a crucial phase in our ongoing efforts to make our roads safer. Don’t Drive Blind! is a research-based, evidence-driven intervention designed to help drivers curb their mobile phone use while behind the wheel. Its approach is rooted in principles proven to break harmful habits, similar to those used to combat smoking or texting addiction. The ultimate goal is to empower drivers to break this dangerous habit for good.
Key Objectives of ‘Don’t Drive Blind!’ :
Raise Awareness: We aim to educate the public about the perils of using mobile phones while driving and create a widespread understanding that distracted driving is akin to ‘the new drink driving’ or a form of negligent driving with far-reaching consequences.
Behavior Change: Through applied research, we intend to provide an evidence-based resource platform aimed at reducing in-vehicle mobile phone use, primarily among young drivers, who are more susceptible to this risky behavior.
Collaboration: We are proud to announce our partnership with the National Road Safety Council and Optimum Q Event & Project Management, demonstrating our commitment to a multi-faceted approach to tackling this issue.
As part of our commitment to road safety, we are grateful to the FIA for their grant funding support, which enables us to spearhead this initiative. Similar to our counterparts in Australia and New Zealand, we are dedicated to making our roads safer by addressing smartphone use in vehicles. Our surveys indicate that many Sri Lankans believe this issue poses one of the greatest risks to road safety today. Using a mobile device while driving places significant cognitive, physical, and visual demands on a driver, and the ever-expanding functionality of smartphones has led to distracted driving being labeled as ‘the new drink driving’ or even the most prevalent form of negligent driving.
Through ‘Don’t Drive Blind!’, we are taking the first steps towards a safer future on our roads. We urge all Sri Lankan drivers to join us in this mission to reduce mobile phone use behind the wheel. Together, we can make a difference and save countless lives.
Learn, grow and be better by simply taking the quiz – https://driveinthemoment.org/lk/
The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) is a leading advocate for road safety in Sri Lanka. With a commitment to promoting safer roads, AAC has been a steadfast partner in numerous initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and making our roads secure for all.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
Business
Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.
SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.
The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.
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