June 14, Colombo (LNW): Motorists and passengers travelling on Sri Lanka’s expressways will face stricter enforcement measures from later this month as authorities move to strengthen compliance with seat belt regulations.
The National Council for Road Safety has announced that legal action will be initiated against individuals found travelling without seat belts, regardless of whether they are seated in the front or rear of a vehicle. The move forms part of a broader campaign aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents.
Council Chairman Manjula Kularatne said vehicle owners have been given a grace period to equip rear passenger seats with approved seat belts, but that concession is due to expire on 19 June. Following the deadline, enforcement officers will begin conducting more rigorous inspections on expressways and other key routes.
Officials emphasised that responsibility for compliance rests not only with drivers but also with passengers, noting that seat belts remain one of the most effective safety features in reducing the severity of injuries during collisions.
Road safety authorities have urged motorists to ensure that all occupants are properly restrained before beginning a journey, particularly when travelling at high speeds on expressways. Awareness campaigns and inspections are also expected to be intensified in the coming weeks to encourage greater public adherence to safety regulations.