Wearing a seatbelt will be mandatory for every driver and passenger travelling on Sri Lanka’s expressways from September 19, with police warning that the requirement will be strictly enforced from that date.
Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, who heads traffic management and road safety, announced the measure at a media briefing held to raise public awareness. Anyone found travelling without a seatbelt may be fined Rs. 1,000, and the rule applies to all passengers — including those travelling in expressway buses, for which separate legal provision exists to fine non-compliant passengers.
“Hereafter, when entering an expressway, the police will strictly monitor whether the driver and passengers are wearing seat belts properly. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter expressways without the required seat belts being worn,” SSP Ranagala said.
September 19 also marks the end of the one-year grace period granted to owners of vehicles that were not fitted with seatbelts at the factory to have them installed. Manjula Kularatna, who chairs the national road safety council, confirmed that the installation deadline expires on the same date.
The requirement stems from Extraordinary Gazette No. 2455/29, issued on September 25, 2025, which provides for mandatory seatbelt use by all passengers in vehicles travelling on expressways. Daily Mirror reported that the measure also draws on legal provisions introduced through Gazette Notification No. 1718/12 of August 9, 2011.
SSP Ranagala said the step was introduced to save lives, citing a significant increase in injuries and deaths in road accidents where passengers were not wearing seatbelts. Authorities have urged motorists to ensure seatbelts are properly worn before entering an expressway.
