73 Deaths in 14 Days: Sri Lanka’s Roads Turn Deadly in 2026

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has recorded a staggering 73 deaths from road accidents since the start of 2026, according to the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division of Police.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Inspector General W.P.J. Senadheera revealed that 68 fatal accidents occurred between January 1 and yesterday (13), with January 12 alone claiming 16 lives. 

“The leading cause is driver fatigue,” he stressed. “Many start journeys as early as 4 a.m. after long hours of work. Extreme exhaustion leads to deadly mistakes.”

Senadheera urged motorists to avoid driving when fatigued, warning that negligence costs lives. 
He also disclosed that over 7,000 drunk-driving cases have already been filed this year. “Last year, pedestrians died in 31% of the fatal crashes. Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group,” he added.

Senior Superintendent Manoj Ranagala, Director of Traffic Control, emphasized the broader impact: “These are not people dying from illness — they are productive citizens aged 18 to 40, killed instantly in crashes. This is a huge loss to the country.”

Ranagala appealed to drivers: “Protect your life, the lives inside your vehicle, and those on the road. Drive responsibly.”