Passengers travelling on Sri Lanka’s expressways will be required to wear seatbelts from September 19, as authorities prepare to enforce the safety measure across all vehicles using the expressway network.
The requirement will apply to every passenger in a vehicle, including those travelling on expressway buses, according to Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety SSP Manoj Ranagala.
Speaking at a media briefing aimed at promoting road safety, SSP Ranagala said passengers who fail to wear seatbelts could face a fine of Rs. 1,000.
He stressed that the necessary legal provisions are already in place and warned that police will strictly enforce the requirement once the deadline takes effect.
Authorities have highlighted the measure as an important step towards reducing fatalities caused by road accidents, particularly those involving passengers who are not properly restrained.
The deadline will also mark the end of the grace period provided for vehicles that do not currently have seatbelts installed. Chairman of the National Council for Road Safety Manjula Kularatna said vehicle owners have until September 19 to ensure the required safety equipment is in place.
The mandatory requirement is based on Extraordinary Gazette No. 2455/29, issued on September 25, 2025. The Gazette introduced provisions requiring all passengers travelling in vehicles on expressways to use seatbelts.
With enforcement set to begin next month, authorities are urging motorists and passengers to familiarise themselves with the requirement and ensure compliance before travelling on expressways.
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