September 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has witnessed a sharp rise in road fatalities this year, with 1,897 deaths recorded over the past nine months alone, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, Director of the Traffic Police Division.
In an interview with a local television channel, SSP Ranagala highlighted the increasingly troubling nature of road safety in the country, revealing that 1,781 road accidents have been officially reported so far this year.
The figures suggest a continuing upward trend, sparking renewed calls for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and greater public responsibility behind the wheel.
One of the most concerning developments, according to authorities, has been the surge in motorcycle-related accidents. So far in 2025, a total of 923 such incidents have been documented, resulting in the loss of 514 lives — a grim indicator of the vulnerabilities faced by two-wheeler riders, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
In response to the growing crisis, police have deployed 70 high-speed detection units across the island in an effort to deter dangerous driving and enforce speed limits more effectively. These devices are intended to strengthen surveillance and provide real-time data on traffic violations, especially on major highways and accident-prone routes.
SSP Ranagala emphasised that while enforcement is critical, lasting change must also come from behavioural shifts among road users. He urged drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike to exercise caution, follow traffic regulations, and adopt safer practices on the road.
