Sri Lanka Police say legal action will be taken in the future against pedestrians who walk on roads while listening to music using headphones or earphones.
Director of Traffic Control and Road Safety, Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala, said such pedestrians currently receive warnings, but court action will be initiated in future due to the rising risk of accidents.
He noted that more than 10 people die daily due to road accidents in Sri Lanka. From January 1 to June 30, 2026, a total of 1,323 road accidents were reported, resulting in 1,389 deaths.
Ranagala said the number of accidents has increased by 105 and deaths by 107 compared to 2025, describing the trend as concerning. He added that pedestrians and cyclists are the most affected groups, with inattention, careless behaviour, traffic violations, speeding, and poor vehicle and road maintenance contributing directly to accidents.
He made these remarks at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to mark the 11th National Accident Prevention Week, scheduled from July 6 to 10.
He further said police, under instructions from the Inspector General of Police, have introduced special operations and new technological methods to reduce accidents, including modern speed detection equipment capable of monitoring vehicles over a three-kilometre range.
Ranagala stressed that no individual will be treated differently in law enforcement and that those involved in road accidents will be produced before courts. He also warned that stricter enforcement, tougher penalties and possible licence suspensions will be implemented in the future.
He added that without the cooperation of drivers, strict enforcement is the only option to curb the rising trend of road accidents. (Newswire)