A total of 49 people were killed in road accidents across Sri Lanka during the week of April 4 to 10, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake revealed at a media briefing in Colombo on Saturday.
The minister said most of the fatal crashes were caused by driving under the influence of drugs, and urged the public to help authorities by reporting reckless drivers to the Sri Lanka Police.
Grim toll ahead of New Year
The week-long death toll marks a sharp escalation from earlier reports. Six people died in motorcycle and three-wheeler crashes on April 10 alone, underscoring the danger as millions take to the roads for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday.
The fatalities come despite intensified safety measures by authorities. Police have boosted CCTV monitoring on expressways to catch speeding drivers and activated a WhatsApp reporting line for public tip-offs on dangerous driving.
Ongoing risks on Avurudu day
Even as the minister disclosed the weekly toll, fresh accidents continued to be reported. Two people were killed in a lorry collision on the Southern Expressway on Saturday morning, according to NewsFirst.
The SLTB has deployed over 1,490 buses for the holiday period, with special services from Makumbura and other terminals to manage the outstation travel rush. Authorities continue to urge motorists — particularly two-wheeler and three-wheeler riders — to exercise extreme caution during the festivities.
Sources: Ada Derana
