No seat belts? don’t start the vehicle, warns Dilantha

Colombo, June 17 (Daily Mirror) - Renowned Sri Lankan racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa has issued a strong warning to motorists, urging them to ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts before starting their vehicles, as Sri Lanka prepares to strictly enforce mandatory seat belt regulations from June 20.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said seat belt use should be a non-negotiable habit, particularly when transporting children. He expressed concern that many parents still carry children on their laps or allow them to travel unrestrained in rear seats, exposing them to a high risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

Malagamuwa highlighted that countless lives could be saved if drivers and passengers consistently fasten their seat belts while travelling.

“Drivers have a responsibility to ensure that every passenger in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt,” he said, noting that in many countries drivers can be held accountable and fined if passengers fail to comply with seat belt laws.

Malagamuwa also warned against dangerous practices such as passengers sticking their heads or upper bodies out of sunroofs while vehicles are in motion. Although such behaviour may appear exciting, he cautioned that it could lead to severe injuries or fatal accidents.

His warning comes as authorities prepare to implement stricter enforcement of seat belt regulations on expressways. The National Council for Road Safety has announced that the mandatory seat belt rule will be strictly enforced from June 20.

Under the regulations, all occupants of a vehicle—including drivers and passengers in both front and rear seats—are required by law to wear individual safety seat belts while travelling on expressways.

Calling on road users to adopt responsible driving habits, Malagamuwa reiterated that simple safety measures such as wearing seat belts can make the difference between life and death, and urged motorists to prioritize the safety of their families and fellow passengers at all times.