Cabinet Approves Proposal for Compulsory Seatbelt Use on Expressways

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to present amended regulations to Parliament, making the use of seatbelts compulsory for all passengers traveling on vehicles using expressways. This amendment is part of an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by accidents on Sri Lanka’s expressways.

The regulations, outlined in the Motor Vehicles Directive (Expressway) No. 02 of 2011, have been updated through the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2455/29, dated September 25, 2025. This amendment was made in response to the rising number of accidents on the expressway and aims to enhance passenger safety.

The proposal was presented by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, and it has now been approved for submission to Parliament for final approval.