– The National Council for Road Safety said that  a final three-month grace period will be given for owners of vehicles that were originally manufactured without seatbelts to install the required safety equipment. Chairman Manjula Kularatne said the mandatory enforcement of seatbelt regulations for vehicles travelling on expressways came into effect today (20). However, vehicles that do not have factory-fitted seatbelts will be given a concessionary period of three months, beginning today, to complete the installation.

Kularatne said that this is the final extension granted for compliance and urged vehicle owners to make the necessary modifications within the stipulated timeframe.The council also reminded motorists that drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts whenever they are available in the vehicle. Failure to comply with the regulation will result in legal action and the imposition of fines.