The National Council for Road Safety has announced that wearing seat belts will be mandatory for all drivers and passengers travelling on Sri Lanka’s expressways from September 19, 2026.
The rule, which was previously postponed to allow vehicle owners time to install seat belts in vehicles where they were not originally provided, will not be extended further, Chairman of the National Council for Road Safety Manjula Kularatne said.
From September 19, police will check whether all occupants of vehicles entering expressways are wearing seat belts. Both drivers and passengers, including those seated in the rear, will be liable to fines for violating the law.
The measure is being implemented under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development’s two-year road safety action plan, aimed at reducing road accidents, fatalities and property damage. Sri Lanka records more than 2,500 road deaths annually.
Meanwhile, the Police Traffic Headquarters has requested the public to report traffic violations through WhatsApp on 070 475 5600, with information being forwarded for necessary action.
