Starting September 19, wearing seatbelts will be strictly mandatory for all vehicle occupants entering expressways, according to the police.
Addressing a media briefing, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, Director of Traffic Control and Road Safety, emphasized that the law requiring all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts will be strictly enforced. He warned that individuals traveling without a seatbelt will face a fine of Rs. 1,000.
SSP Ranagala noted that legal provisions exist to collect this fine from passengers who fail to wear seatbelts in expressway buses as well. He stressed that the Sri Lankan public must thoroughly recognize the vital necessity of wearing seatbelts. This decision has been implemented to ensure the safety of all lives, he added, pointing out that fatalities resulting from accidents where occupants were unbelted have risen sharply.
Meanwhile, Manjula Kularatne, Chairman of the National Council for Road Safety, stated that the grace period granted to install seatbelts in vehicles that previously lacked them will also conclude on September 19.
This nationwide expressway seatbelt regulation is being implemented in accordance with Gazette Notification No. 2455/29, which was issued on September 25, 2025.
