Sri Lanka Police plans a pedestrian headphone ban enforcement drive as road deaths rise, with 1,389 people killed in the first half of 2026.
Sri Lanka Police plans to enforce a pedestrian headphone ban by taking legal action against people who walk on roads while listening to music through headphones or earphones.
Traffic Control and Road Safety Director Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala said distracted pedestrians face an increased risk of road accidents.
At present, police officers only warn pedestrians who walk along roads while listening to music through such devices. However, Ranagala said police plan to take legal action against offenders in the future.
More than 10 people die each day in road accidents across Sri Lanka. From January 1 to June 30, 2026, the country recorded 1,323 road accidents that claimed 1,389 lives, according to Ranagala.
He said the number of accidents increased by 105 this year compared with 2025. Meanwhile, the death toll rose by 107, a trend he described as a matter of serious concern.
Pedestrians and cyclists remain among those most affected by road accidents. Ranagala identified carelessness, negligence and violations of road rules as major causes. Excessive speed and poor maintenance of vehicles and roads also directly contribute to accidents.
Ranagala made the remarks during a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau. The briefing was held ahead of the 11th National Accident Prevention Week, scheduled from July 6 to 10.
Pedestrian Headphone Ban Part of Wider Safety Drive
Sri Lanka Police has introduced special operations and new technological measures to reduce road accidents. The initiatives follow instructions issued by the Inspector General of Police.
As part of the enforcement drive, police have imported modern speed guns from the United States. The devices can detect speeding vehicles from a distance of up to three kilometres and are already in operation.
Ranagala strongly emphasized that police will not consider any person’s status when enforcing traffic laws. He said that when a road accident occurs, the individuals concerned will inevitably be produced before court.
Police also plan to enforce road rules more strictly in the future. Authorities will impose severe penalties, while offenders could also face the revocation of their driving licences.
Ranagala said stronger enforcement remains necessary if drivers fail to cooperate with efforts to stop the continuing road accident crisis.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Secretariat, Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Education have launched a special programme called “Take Care.” The initiative aims to educate schoolchildren about road safety as authorities intensify efforts to prevent accidents and reduce deaths.
