Seat belt use on expressways to become mandatory for all passengers from September 19

Seat belt use will effectively become mandatory for all passengers travelling in vehicles on Sri Lanka's expressways from 19 September, with the requirement being extended to those using public transport buses.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that seat belt use in public passenger buses operating on expressways will be compulsory from 19 September. Authorities can take legal action and impose fines against buses that are not equipped with seat belts, as well as drivers and passengers who fail to use the seat belts provided.

National Transport Commission Chairman P. K. Chandrapala confirmed that while the implementation of the measure had previously been postponed for various reasons, it will be enforced from 19 September.

Ahead of the enforcement date, an awareness programme was conducted at the Peliyagoda Expressway entrance, where NTC officials distributed information to bus passengers regarding the new requirement. The NTC stated that further awareness programmes will be conducted prior to full enforcement.