Sri Lanka, Jan. 28 -- Strict enforcement of seatbelt regulations begins today across the island to reduce fatalities and severe injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. National Council for Road Safety Chairman Manjula Kularatne confirmed that the three-month grace period previously granted to motorists ended on December 24.

Under these regulations, every individual travelling in a vehicle on expressways-including the driver and all rear-seat passengers-must wear a seatbelt. For all other roads, the mandate applies specifically to the driver and the front-seat passenger.

Police officers stationed nationwide have received instructions to monitor compliance rigorously and issue fines to violators starting today. This initiative forms a...