June 16, Colombo (LNW): Motorists and passengers using Sri Lanka’s expressway network have been reminded that stricter enforcement of mandatory seat belt regulations will come into effect from June 20, following the conclusion of a public awareness and adjustment period.
The National Council for Road Safety announced that from that date, all individuals travelling in vehicles on expressways, regardless of where they are seated, will be required to wear seat belts. The regulation applies equally to front-seat occupants and passengers seated in the rear of the vehicle.
According to Council Chairman Manjula Kularatne, authorities have spent the past several weeks educating motorists about the revised requirements and providing sufficient time for vehicle owners and passengers to adapt to the new safety measures. That grace period is scheduled to expire on June 19.
Officials say the move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen road safety standards and reduce the severity of injuries resulting from traffic accidents on high-speed roads. Studies worldwide have consistently shown that seat belts significantly improve survival rates and minimise the risk of serious injury during collisions.
From June 20 onwards, law enforcement officers will be instructed to implement the regulation without leniency, and those found violating the rule may face legal action under existing traffic laws. Authorities have urged all road users to make seat belt use a routine habit, stressing that the measure is intended to protect lives rather than merely enforce compliance.