Sri Lanka, Jan. 21 -- Police have stepped up enforcement of seat belt laws, citing a 2011 Gazette notification that requires all drivers and passengers, including those in rear seats, in vehicles with English number plates to wear seat belts.

Deputy Inspector General of Police W. P. J. Senadeera said that both the driver and the front-seat passenger must wear seat belts when entering highways.

He added that vehicle owners will face legal action if their vehicles are not fitted with seat belts.

The regulation, aimed at improving passenger safety, officially came into effect today (January 1, 2026), with active police enforcement. All individuals travelling on expressway passenger buses in Sri Lanka are now required to wear seat belts th...