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.
The Pulse
GeneralAccidentHOT4h ago
Sri Lanka Reports Alarming Rise in Road Fatalities, Authorities Urge Caution
TLDR
676 fatal road accidents reported in Sri Lanka this year.
49 deaths occurred in a single week (April 4-10), largely due to drug-impaired driving.
Authorities urge public to drive safely, use seatbelts, and report reckless drivers.