Youth-led street racing under police radar following fatal accidents

Colombo, Jan 18 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of a rising trend of youth involvement in illegal night street races, tge Sri Lanka Police have launched an intensified crackdown, cautioning that illegal and reckless racing resulting in death or injury will be dealt with under both traffic laws and the Penal Code, including charges of murder and attempted murder.

In 2025, several coastal and highway roads in Sri Lanka became hotspots for illegal street motorcycle races organised through social media and driven by betting. The dangerous trend, largely involving young riders who flout traffic laws, has continued into this year as well, raising serious concerns among authorities and the public.

Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that the Sri Lanka Police have paid special attention to illegal night-time street racing after investigations revealed that the majority of those involved are youth below the age of 18.

The latest fatal incident was reported on Saturday in Horana, where a 17-year-old motorcyclist lost his life after two motorcycles allegedly engaged in an illegal street race collided with a car. The crash also left another motorcyclist and a young passenger in the car injured and hospitalised.

Amid growing public concern and a series of deadly accidents linked to illegal street racing, ASP F.U. Wootler told the Daily Mirror that those involved in illegal races resulting in fatalities will face prosecution not only under the Motor Traffic Act but also under the Penal Code on charges of murder and attempted murder.

The spokesman said that these young riders act irresponsibly, placing not only their own lives but also the safety of other road users at serious risk. Several fatalities have been reported in connection with illegal street racing accidents, with many of the victims being underage.

He said police have urged the public to inform authorities about illegal street races as and when they occur. Accordingly, the spokesman said they regularly receive information, particularly from areas such as Colombo, Homagama, Kottawa, Panadura and Piliyandala areas. 

Based on these tips, police carry out operations to arrest those involved and seize their motorcycles, many of which are high-capacity vehicles.

“Only authorised entities such as the Police and security forces are permitted to use high-capacity motorcycles,” he said.

He added that the Traffic and Road Safety DIG is in the process of taking all necessary measures to prevent the import of high-capacity motorcycle engines into the country.

The spokesman further warned that strict action will be taken against individuals who engage in illegal street racing, as well as those who provide motorcycles to underage youth.

Meanwhile, ASP Wootler said that anyone who provides a vehicle to an underage rider could be charged with aiding a murder in the event of a fatal accident.