During a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, Dr. Chamod Hettiarachchi, a member of the Advisory Committee for Expressway Safety Actions, highlighted the primary causes of accidents on expressways.
According to Dr. Hettiarachchi, driver negligence, vehicle maintenance issues, and accidents caused by third parties were identified as the three main reasons contributing to expressway accidents.

A survey report unveiled alarming statistics, with 56% of expressway accidents attributed to driver negligence. Among these incidents, 35% resulted in fatalities or permanent disabilities, emphasizing the severity of the issue. Over the past thirteen years since the construction of the Southern Expressway, a total of 9,375 road accidents have been recorded, with 5,292 attributed to driver negligence, leading to 66 fatalities and 637 permanent disabilities.Senior Superintendent of Police Mayura Perera, Director of the Southern Expressway Police Division, provided an update on the current situation, noting a concerning increase in fatal accidents in 2024 compared to previous years. In 2022, there were 17 fatal accidents, while in 2023, the number decreased to four.
However, seven fatal accidents have already occurred in 2024.In response to these statistics, Perera urged drivers to prioritize road safety, especially during festive seasons, to help reduce accidents on expressways.
Thushara Suraweera, Additional Secretary of the Transport Ministry and Highways, emphasized the need for updating regulations in the Motor Traffic Act to address accidents caused by distracted driving due to the use of new technological communication tools. He also highlighted plans to standardize driver license requirements through training programs to promote responsible driving practices and enhance road safety.