– Sri Lanka’s roads claimed five lives within a single 24-hour period, with a series of fatal accidents reported across the island yesterday (22), the Police Media Division said.The deaths included pedestrians, motorcyclists and an eight-year-old girl, highlighting the continuing danger faced by road users.In Katuneriya on the Marawila-Wennappuwa road, a pedestrian was struck by a lorry travelling towards Wennappuwa. The unidentified pedestrian succumbed to injuries after being admitted to Marawila Hospital. The lorry driver has been arrested.

In another accident in Pahalayagoda, Ganemulla, a 67-year-old pedestrian was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the road. He later died at Ragama Hospital. The motorcyclist has been arrested.An 18-year-old from Pahalayagoda was also killed in a motorcycle collision near the 271-kilometre post on the Jaffna-Kilinochchi road in Palai. Police said the motorcycle collided with another motorcycle crossing the road. The rider of the other motorcycle has been arrested.

Meanwhile, a 75-year-old from Ottamawadi died following a crash on Kalawewa Road in Akkare 500. Two motorcycles travelling in the same direction collided, causing both to overturn. Four people were injured and hospitalised, with one later succumbing to injuries.In a separate accident near Walpola Railway Station on the Ragama-Walpola road, an eight-year-old girl was killed, while two others sustained serious injuries.With five deaths reported in just one day, the latest incidents once again raise serious concerns over road safety, speeding, careless driving and the protection of vulnerable road users.

Police are continuing investigations into the fatal crashes.