09 September 2025 | Sri Lanka Brief.
Sri Lanka is grappling with a mounting road safety crisis, as police data reveals that 1,870 people have died in 1,757 fatal road accidents between 1 January and 4 September 2025—an average of 7 to 8 deaths every single day.
Deputy Inspector General Indika Hapugoda has called on all road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws and exercise greater responsibility, warning that reckless driving and disregard for safety norms continue to fuel preventable tragedies.
A National Emergency in Numbers
The latest figures mark a troubling rise from mid-year estimates, which had already recorded 1,332 deaths by July. The upward trend places road traffic injuries among the top causes of death in Sri Lanka, second only to non-communicable diseases.
According to the Asian Transport Observatory, Sri Lanka’s road safety profile remains deeply concerning:
- Children and seniors make up nearly half of all road crash deaths, underscoring the vulnerability of non-motorized and dependent road users.
- The economic cost of road crashes is estimated at USD 3 billion annually, or roughly 3% of national GDP.
What’s Driving the Crisis?
Experts and UN officials point to a combination of factors:
- Poorly maintained vehicles and hazardous road infrastructure
- Driver fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving
- Weak enforcement of traffic laws and limited public awareness
A tragic example came in May 2025, when a bus crash in Kotmale claimed 23 lives, highlighting the deadly consequences of unsafe mountain routes and inadequate safety checks.
Policy Response and Advocacy
In response, the government has launched a National Road Safety Plan under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aiming to:
- Improve driver behavior through education and regulation
- Strengthen law enforcement across highways and urban corridors
- Upgrade infrastructure in high-risk zones
The United Nations has pledged continued support, linking road safety to broader development goals and calling for urgent action to protect lives and livelihoods.