A worrying rise in fatal road accidents has placed road safety back in the national spotlight, with police warning of a steady and systematic increase in deadly incidents across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, Director of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, revealed that 676 fatal road accidents have already been recorded so far this year. The figures reflect a troubling upward trend, with 74 more fatal accidents and 80 additional deaths compared to the same period previously.
Authorities attribute the surge to a combination of factors, including poor road conditions, reckless driving, excessive speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol. These issues, officials say, continue to undermine ongoing efforts to improve road safety nationwide.
Particularly concerning is the impact on vulnerable road users. Pedestrians account for the highest number of fatalities, with 230 lives lost as of April 5, while 247 motorcyclists have also been killed. These numbers highlight the growing risks faced by those with the least protection on the roads.
Adding to the concern, President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, noted that young people make up the majority of road accident victims, pointing to a significant social and public health challenge.
With fatalities continuing to climb, officials are urging greater awareness and responsibility among road users, warning that without immediate changes in behavior, the human cost of road accidents will continue to rise.
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