The Sri Lanka Police have intensified efforts to enforce traffic regulations and road safety, warning that illegally modified vehicles without valid fitness certificates pose a serious risk to passengers and other road users.
Issuing a statement, the Police said recent analyses of road accidents revealed that many buses involved had undergone unauthorized modifications and lacked roadworthiness certificates.
Some vehicles were found to be fitted with hazardous components and alterations that increase the likelihood of accidents, while others had exhaust systems modified to produce excessively loud and unpleasant noise, contributing to public disturbance and noise pollution.
Under the Motor Traffic Act, it is unlawful to install dangerous or unauthorized components, fit flashing or colored lights without approval, use non‑standard horns, alter the original colour or design of a vehicle, display unauthorized images or advertisements, or change the manufacturer’s structure without legal approval.
The Police stressed that vehicles must be maintained in a condition that does not cause danger, inconvenience, or annoyance to passengers, other road users, or surrounding property.
The public has also been encouraged to report vehicles emitting excessive black smoke.
Complaints can be submitted via WhatsApp to 070 3500525 by providing the vehicle registration number, along with the date, time, and location of the incident.
Sri Lanka Police further said that continuous traffic enforcement operations are being conducted across the island to strictly enforce these laws, to protect lives, reduce public nuisance, and ensure safe and orderly road usage. (Newswire)