As millions prepare to travel across the country during the festive season, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, has issued a strong warning about the heightened risk of road accidents and called on all citizens to prioritize safety.
Addressing the media, Minister Rathnayake emphasized that long-distance routes, including the heavily traveled Colombo to Anuradhapura corridor and Sri Lanka’s expressways, are particularly prone to serious and sometimes fatal accidents during this time of year.
“This is a time of joy and celebration, but it can quickly turn to tragedy if basic precautions are ignored,” the Minister said. “We urge all road users—especially public transport providers—to take simple but crucial safety measures.”
He also reminded private vehicle owners that road safety is not solely the responsibility of the driver. “Passengers too play a role, whether it’s reminding the driver to slow down, ensuring everyone is wearing seat belts, or avoiding distractions,” he noted.
According to the Ministry’s data, Sri Lanka loses around 2,300 lives to road accidents annually, with a notable increase in fatalities during the festive period.
The Minister appealed to the public to adhere to traffic laws, avoid speeding, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before setting out. Authorities are expected to increase highway patrols and random vehicle checks throughout the country to help mitigate risks during the holiday rush.
With festive cheer in the air, the government hopes that a collective commitment to road safety will prevent unnecessary loss of life during what should be a time of happiness and togetherness.
