Sabri, who drove the vehicle ignoring the traffic lights, thanks for the fine.

Former Minister of Justice, President's Counsel Ali Sabry, who was fined for violating traffic light rules while driving on the highway, has posted a special note on his official Facebook account appreciating the exemplary professionalism of the police officer who issued the fine.

He states that he unknowingly violated this traffic law on his way back after a haircut, and that the police officer who arrived at the scene issued a fine for the offense. He described how the officer acted very courteously and guided him to pay the fine on the spot through the 'GovPay' electronic system.

Mr. Ali Sabry states that in this incident, what caught his special attention was not the fine itself, but the professionalism with which the police officer handled the entire process. He points out that with the help of technology, he was able to pay the fine and retrieve his driving license within a few minutes without any unnecessary delay or frustration, and that this clearly demonstrates the perfect blend of professionalism, courtesy, and technology.

Recalling the initial discussions he held with the police and other stakeholders during his tenure as Minister of Justice regarding the use of technology to enhance public services, Mr. Sabry says he derives quiet satisfaction from seeing how those reforms, initiated back then, are now yielding real benefits for citizens. He further states that although any valuable reform takes some time, this is an excellent example that sincere efforts to improve public service never go to waste.

The former minister points out that in a society that often focuses on shortcomings in public administration, appreciating what works well is equally important, and states that this simple incident clearly illustrates the importance of a public official performing duties with competence, integrity, and respect. Accordingly, Mr. Ali Sabry has emphasized in his note that he extends his praise to the Sri Lanka Police, the 'GovPay' initiative, and especially to the police officer who handled this incident in a very exemplary manner.