Sri Lanka’s Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has delivered a blunt ultimatum to bus operators: install seat belts or leave the business. With new expressway rules looming, the Ministry vows no more excuses, aiming to save lives with strict enforcement.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has delivered a strong warning to bus owners, urging them to immediately comply with regulations requiring seat belts in passenger vehicles or leave the transport sector altogether.
Speaking to the media, the Minister emphasized that passenger safety is non-negotiable. He noted that while the law mandating seat belts for drivers and front-seat passengers has existed since October 1, 2011, under the Motor Traffic Act, enforcement has been lax, especially concerning buses and lorries.
“Bus owners find the time and money to add decorative lights and audio systems, but claim they can’t install basic safety belts? That’s unacceptable,” Rathnayake said, referencing the Ministry’s three-month-long awareness campaign.
The Minister declared that starting September 1, all passengers traveling in expressway buses must wear seat belts. This rule will also apply to backseat passengers in light vehicles using the expressway system.
“These aren’t headline-chasing policies,” he asserted. “These changes are about protecting lives on our roads. There’s been more than enough time for buses to be outfitted with seat belts. No more excuses will be tolerated.”
Rathnayake also disclosed reports that some individuals are hiding available seat belts to create a false impression of shortage. “Anyone caught sabotaging this initiative will face strict legal consequences,” he said.
The Ministry reiterated that these new safety regulations are designed to reduce serious injuries and fatalities caused by high-speed collisions, particularly on expressways where impact risk is significantly greater.
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