A short thesis on Srilankan Traffic

Travelling on Srilankan roads is to say the least an experience. I had the arrogance to consider that I might be able to drive while here with the family. I got my International license in Hervey Bay and the next step was to go to the ministry of transport in Colombo. 2 days on roads in Colombo taught me the error of my ways. But... Colombo is an example of modern best practice Urban traffic flow compared to Jaffna.

CD in Jaffna

Jaffna "traffic calming" device

Where do I start? Driving in Jaffna is possibly likened to urban warfare with the motor scooter or motorbike as the main weapon of choice with cars and buses and trucks bringing up the heavy guns. Firstly there are the potholes that can swallow whole vehicles, then the cows, the dogs, cows again, masses of often whole families on one scooter, goats, buses that all seem to have the front left hand suspension completely collapsed, oh and did I mention the cows and what appears to be a complete lack of road rules. The dogs are quite interesting. There seems to be a type of Pavlovian conditioning occuring here, so as a dog walks across the road, any road in fact, main road or lane way, and is blasted by a horn, they will, to an animal, merely stop on the spot and calmly look at you till you move your vehicle around them.

Main road from Manipay to Jaffna

Might is right (of way). A Jaffna bus

The horn is the most important part of a northern Srilankan vehicle. It is also the first part to wear out. There is constant blasting on the amazing variations of devices. The horn is not used so much to warn people but to say in multiple honks, " I am here and I see that space currently in front of me, I can either go through it or you... your choice". It is also a case of "might is right" as the bigger the vehicle, the more negotiating power you have. Apart from what appears to us as absolute chaos, I have seen only one accident. Although that may be because I have  my eyes closed most of the time.