Police say that 450 motorcycles unfit for road use have been apprehended during the 72 hour period from 31 March to 02 April.

With the intention of reducing the number of accidents that occur involving motorcycles, the Police launched a special operation on 31 March.

Police Media Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana stated that 398 persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 139 persons for reckless driving and 108 persons for speeding.

In addition 1,077 incidents of motorcyclists riding without helmets, 1,303 persons for offences related to licences and documentation, while 2,806 legal cases related to traffic violations were reported.

The Police Media Spokesman stated that in addition to this, provisions of the Motor Traffic Act have been implemented for 6,186 other offences.

Accordingly, the total number of cases recorded during the relevant period is 13,320.

DIG Ajith Rohana stated that the aim of this operation is to reduce the number of accidents caused by motorcycles on a daily basis as well as the number of deaths of motorcyclists and cyclists.

He added that the purpose of the operation was not to embarrass motorcyclists but to protect them and regulate motorcycling