Sri Lanka's Transport Ministry is urging motorcyclists to wear approved safety helmets as part of broader road safety efforts, citing alarming fatality statistics and a government action plan to reduce accidents.
The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has launched a renewed campaign promoting the mandatory use of Sri Lanka Standards (SLS)-certified helmets among motorcycle riders. National Road Safety Council Chairman Manjula Kularatne announced the initiative at a media briefing on Friday, emphasizing that approved helmets are essential for protecting lives and preventing injuries on the country's roads.
The push forms part of a wider governmental response to Sri Lanka's persistent road safety crisis. Officials report that over 2,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually, with motorcycle-related incidents accounting for more than 1,000 of these deaths. Data indicates that severe head injuries are the primary cause of motorcycle fatalities. Between January and July 2026, authorities recorded 749 deaths from motorcycle accidents, including 13 children under 18 years old.
The government's two-year National Road Safety Action Plan encompasses 96 measures designed to curb road accidents, of which 30 have already been implemented. Kularatne noted that preliminary figures show a slight increase in fatal accidents this year compared to the same period in 2025, with 1,626 fatal road accidents recorded in the first seven months of 2026 versus 1,585 last year.
To enforce compliance, authorities are coordinating a nationwide program involving the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, the Consumer Affairs Authority, and police. Officers will conduct regular inspections to ensure helmet use while simultaneously encouraging the production and adoption of SLS-certified safety equipment.
