Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake informed Parliament that all individuals traveling on Sri Lankan expressways must wear seat belts beginning September 19. This regulation applies to every passenger, including those in the back seats of school vans, office transport, and hired vehicles. The government implemented this policy following data indicating that 2,700 road fatalities occurred in 2025, with a significant portion of expressway casualties involving rear-seat occupants, particularly women and children. Although a grace period was previously granted to allow owners of older vehicles to install necessary safety equipment, full compliance is now required. Authorities intend to enforce this mandate strictly to improve passenger safety across the nation's high-speed road network.
Source : Newswire
Photo : Newswire
