Traffic accident fatalities exceed COVID-19 deaths

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said in Parliament, on 20 November, at least eight to nine persons die on a daily basis in traffic accidents, according to the Police.
In response to a question raised by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian Shantha Bandara, he said, 3,151 deaths and 2,889 deaths have occurred due to traffic accidents in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
“The Police say that high speed, drunk driving, turning while on the road are identified as the main reasons for deaths in traffic accidents.”
Bandara said, the number of deaths due to traffic accidents exceeds, the number of deaths presently, due to COVID-19 and during the period of the war.
He asked the Minister as to whether there is a possibility for the Government to give training to all the drivers and monitor the driving training institutions. Rajapaksa said, training is given to drivers who caused minor traffic violations at the time. We can consider your proposal regarding monitoring driving training institutions, he added.
(Source: Ceylon Today – By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Dissanayake)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka PM calls for education reform to strengthen nation February 1, 2026
- Sri Lanka revises fuel prices from February 1, 2026 January 31, 2026
- Sri Lanka declares essential services to ensure recovery after Cyclone Ditwah January 31, 2026
- Sri Lanka disburses Rs. 50,000 relief to 70% of Cyclone Ditwah victims January 31, 2026
- Sri Lanka to launch national review on social media’s impact on children January 30, 2026


Where are the young people in the country?
Where are the Viyath Maga professionals?
Tired of being lied by the Grandpa’s.
Accidents occur due to variety of reasons such as distractions from the wheel,traffic violations, poor visibility, bad road designs, pedastrians & unsuitable road worthy vehicles, etc. It needs to be a multi- faceted well co-ordimated approach to prevent it !