The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has urged motorcyclists to wear Sri Lanka Standards (SLS)-certified helmets, saying the use of approved safety helmets is mandatory to protect lives and property on the roads.

National Road Safety Council Chairman Manjula Kularatne made the remarks at a media briefing held on Friday to raise awareness on road safety measures and the legal requirement to wear approved helmets while riding motorcycles.

He said the government’s two-year National Road Safety Action Plan includes 96 measures aimed at reducing road accidents, with 30 already implemented.

According to officials, more than 2,500 people die in road accidents each year in Sri Lanka, with over 1,000 of those deaths involving motorcycle crashes. Data shows that most motorcycle fatalities result from severe head injuries.

Police said 1,626 fatal road accidents were recorded between Jan. 1 and July 31 this year, compared with 1,585 during the same period in 2025. During the first seven months of 2026, 749 people were killed in motorcycle accidents, including 13 children under the age of 18.

“A programme covering the entire island is underway together with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Consumer Affairs Authority as well as Sri Lanka Police in this regard,” he said.

Authorities said police will continue to enforce helmet laws through regular inspections while encouraging the use and production of SLS-certified helmets.