Around 25,000 people disabled due to road accidents

Six to eight die every day in road accidents across the country 

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Nearly 25,000 people suffer severe, long-term injuries each  year as a result of road accidents, health officials have pointed out.  

This was revealed ahead of the National Trauma Conference 2025.  

According to the National Trauma Secretariat, six to eight  people die every day in road accidents across the country, while nearly  one million people receive treatment annually for accident-related  injuries at state hospitals.  

“In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sri  Lanka aims to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by 2030, compared to  2020 levels,” the Secretariat stated.  

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said the conference will  serve as a platform to raise public awareness, strengthen emergency  response systems, and reduce preventable deaths and disabilities caused  by accidents.  

The conference, themed “Tackling Turbulences: Teaming up  for Transformation,” will be held on October 17 at the Hotel Galadari,  under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda  Jayatissa. It is organised by the National Trauma Secretariat, together  with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).