– The three-month grace period granted for the implementation of mandatory seat belt regulations will end on June 19, after which legal action will be taken against motorists and passengers who fail to comply, the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry said.

Ahead of the enforcement, the Ministry today conducted an awareness programme at the Kottawa Expressway Interchange to educate drivers and passengers on the new regulations. During the campaign, officials distributed leaflets and brochures carrying the theme “A Click for Your Loved Ones”, urging road users to wear seat belts for their safety.Under the new regulations, drivers and front-seat passengers travelling on ordinary roads must wear seat belts. On expressways, however, it will be compulsory for the driver and all passengers in every vehicle to wear seat belts from June 19.The Ministry said those who violate the law will be liable to a fine of up to Rs. 1,000. It added that responsibility for compliance will rest with drivers, passengers and vehicle owners.

The awareness programme was attended by National People’s Power Colombo District MP Devananda Suraweera, international motor racing champion Dilantha Malagamuwa, and R.A.D. Kahatapitiya, Deputy Director General of the Road Development Authority’s Expressway Operations, Maintenance and Management Division.