According to the National Council for Road Safety, motorcyclists currently account for the highest number of deaths in road accidents.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Council Chairman Manjula Kularatne stressed the importance of wearing helmets that meet the required safety standards to reduce the severity of injuries in road accidents.

Director of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, pointed out that a total of 1,626 road accidents were reported between January 1 and July 31, 2026.

Ranagala also noted that the figure is higher than the 1,585 accidents recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

He added that 749 motorcyclists had died in road accidents during the period, including 13 persons under the age of 18.

He further urged motorcycle riders and pillion riders to always wear protective helmets for their own safety and the safety of others.

Meanwhile, Kularatne said motorcyclists account for a significant proportion of annual road fatalities.

“Of the 2,500 to 2,700 deaths per year, approximately 1,000 of these are motorcycle deaths.”

He stressed that wearing a protective helmet is essential, noting that head injuries are among the leading causes of death in road accidents.

He also said the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), and Sri Lanka Police are working together to implement an islandwide formal programme.

“This safety helmet must be a helmet with the SLS logo,” Kularatne emphasised.