The Police Media Unit in a statement said 49 fatal accidents have been reported from the 10th of April until Sunday, (April 17) morning.

The police have arrested 1,546 individuals for driving under the influence during raids. Police said 222 drunk drivers were nabbed over the past 24 hours.

Majority of the drivers arrested over the past 6 days were motorcyclists amounting to 846. Among the arrested for drunk driving are 475 three wheeler drivers.

During the time period the police have seized 43 Lorries, 68 motor vehicles, 46 vans, 15 buses and 55 other vehicles.

Police said the operation will continue over the festive period and urged motorists to refrain from driving under the influence.

The Police launched the special round-the-clock operation covering the entire island to nab drunk drivers on 9th April and it will continue until the end of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations on 20th April.