Open vehicles pose danger for children

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry yesterday warned parents to refrain from using trishaws and motorcycles to transport schoolchildren. The Ministry made these remarks following the arrest of a trishaw driver who transported 14 schoolchildren in his vehicle in a dangerous manner.

The incident occurred at Keenagaspitiya, Hasalaka last Tuesday. According to Hasalaka Police, the driver was operating his trishaw for the past several months to transport schoolchildren between the ages five to 13.

Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda told the Sunday Observer that it is the responsibility of parents whether to use trishaws and motorcycles to transport their children to schools.

He said it is also the duty of Police to look into such incidents which highlight the negligence over children's safety.