Colombo, Aug. 19 (Daily Mirror) - Police have warned that the requirement for all passengers travelling in vehicles on Sri Lanka’s expressways to wear seat belts will be strictly enforced from September 19.
Addressing a media briefing, Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, Director of Traffic Control and Road Safety, said the one-year grace period given to owners of vehicles that were not factory-fitted with seat belts to install them will end on September 19.
Accordingly, both drivers and passengers travelling on expressways will be legally required to wear seat belts. Those found travelling without seat belts could face a fine of Rs. 1,000.
SSP Ranagala said there is also a legal provision to impose fines on passengers travelling without seat belts on express buses.
He stressed the importance of wearing seat belts, noting that injuries and fatalities resulting from passengers not wearing seat belts in road accidents have increased significantly.
“Hereafter, when entering an expressway, the police will strictly monitor whether the driver and passengers are wearing seat belts properly. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter expressways without the required seat belts being worn,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Road Safety Council Manjula Kularatne said the grace period given to owners of vehicles without seat belts to install them would also end on September 19.
According to Gazette Notification No. 2455/29, issued on September 25, 2025, the seat belt requirement is to be enforced for all vehicles travelling on expressways.
SSP Ranagala said the measure is also based on the legal provisions introduced through Gazette Notification No. 1718/12, issued on August 9, 2011.
Authorities have urged motorists and passengers to comply with the requirement and ensure that seat belts are properly worn before entering an expressway.
Ranga Wednesday, 19 August 2026 07:46 AM
Whats this nonsense we are still talking about this rubbish Fine then hard they will learn overnight
Jude Fernando Wednesday, 19 August 2026 08:26 AM
How does this law apply to babies and small children? Often the mother carries the baby in her arms or on her lap. Young children sit on the lap of a person in the front passenger seat or they stand. In many countries babies must be secured in bassinets and young children are nit allowed to sit in the front. I have not seen any reference to the above situations.
Sri Lanka Dengue Cases 2026: Live Tracker and Latest Updates
Ryanair responds to Kumar Sangakkara’s allegation
TIN certificate mandatory for eight transactions from November 1
How Much Have Prices Changed? Explore Sri Lanka in 2016 vs 2026
Updated:129mm of rain in a few hours: what it really means for Colombo
India amends visa rules for Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Bay of Bengal depression set to become severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow
Crowds flock to IRD as TIN requirement takes effect
CEYPETCO increases Petrol and Diesel prices
Kumar Sangakkara opens up on Ryanair ’race storm’
Loading comments…