'Tuk tuk' saves time- German Ambassador

by Shanika SRIYANANDA

If you spot a three-wheeler running around Colombo with the red, black and yellow stripes of the German flag, don't be surprised. It belongs to the German Ambassador in Sri Lanka Jens Ploetner, who says it is now the 'easy mode' of transport for him .

The colourful 'tuk tuk' that is parked along side the fleet of Benzes and BMWs at the Embassy is ideal for short distance travel, says Ploetner."As the saying goes: When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Given the traffic situation in Greater Colombo, the trishaw has proven to be a very good means of nearby-delivery. We have experienced many occasions where nothing moves - except a trishaw", he says.

Ploetner says as Sri Lanka's economy is picking up, more people can afford to buy quality vehicles which were safer and cleaner. "I think it is time for Sri Lankans to think about environmental-friendly modes of transport as 60 percent of air pollution is attributed to passenger and commercial vehicle emissions", he says.

The German envoy stresses the need for adopting Euro II Emission Standards to minimise pollution from vehicular emissions. "Isn't it strange that some countries export vehicles to Sri Lanka which are so polluting that they wouldn't be allowed on the streets of their own countries?", he queries.