GeneralAccidentHOTMonday, April 13, 2026

Sri Lanka Reports Alarming Rise in Road Fatalities, Authorities Urge Caution

TLDR

757 road deaths recorded since January 1, 2026.
92 died in road accidents, 30 drowned during April 10-19.
New Year road deaths up 20, serious accidents up 94 vs. last year.
Police probe GOV Pay link to accidents; demerit system coming.

Sri Lanka Police have reported a systematic increase in road accidents annually, with 676 fatal road accidents recorded so far this year. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, Director of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, highlighted this trend at a media briefing in Colombo. Separately, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Ratnayake revealed that 49 individuals died in road accidents between April 4 and April 10 alone, a significant spike compared to the typical daily average. The Minister noted that a majority of these recent accidents were attributed to driving under the influence of drugs. Both officials have urged the public to exercise extreme caution, avoid driving under the influence, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, and ensure seatbelt adherence, with Minister Ratnayake also appealing to citizens to report reckless drivers to the police.

8 Updates

Update #9\u00b7 Apr 21 · 12:37 AM

Deputy Police Inspector General W.P.J. Senadhira stated on April 20th that authorities are monitoring whether road accidents have increased following the introduction of the GOV Pay technology for instant payment of spot fines for traffic offenses. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya has instructed to investigate if accidents are rising due to some drivers speeding in multiple locations on the same day and instantly paying fines, and to submit a report. Additionally, a driver demerit point system is expected to be introduced soon.

Update #8\u00b7 Apr 20 · 10:03 AM

The total number of fatalities from road accidents and drownings during the New Year season continues to climb. Between April 10th and 19th, 30 individuals lost their lives in drowning incidents, an increase from previously reported figures. Deputy Police Inspector General W.P.J. Senadhira, speaking on April 20th, provided further details on road accidents for the April 10th to 19th period. He highlighted a 20-death increase from road accidents and a significant 94-increase in serious accidents compared to the same period last year.

Update #7\u00b7 Apr 20 · 7:16 AM

Road fatalities during the New Year season have escalated further, with 92 individuals dying in 88 fatal road accidents between April 10th and 19th. This marks a substantial increase compared to the same period last year (2025), which saw 72 deaths from 70 fatal accidents. Deputy Police Inspector General W.P.J. Senadhira highlighted an increase of 18 fatal road accidents this year over the previous year.

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