The Road Development Authority’s (RDA) study on revising speed limits across Sri Lanka is expected to conclude next year amid growing concerns over road safety, traffic congestion, and accident prevention on both expressways and national roads.

A feasibility study is currently being conducted regarding the matter. The study aims to assess whether existing speed regulations remain suitable for current traffic conditions and the country’s expanding road infrastructure.

RDA Chairman Tharmalingam Paskaran told The Sunday Morning that the authority was still collecting and analysing data before taking any final decisions regarding revisions to existing speed limits.

“We are currently conducting a comprehensive study,” Paskaran said when asked if a formal evaluation had already been initiated, adding that the study was likely to be completed by next year.

A key focus of the ongoing research is the impact of speed differentials between vehicles, particularly on expressways, and whether slow-moving vehicles occupying high-speed lanes significantly contribute to accidents and traffic congestion.

Paskaran stated: “One of the observations we are examining is whether slow-moving vehicles on expressways contribute to accidents. However, this remains only a preliminary observation at this stage. We are now collecting supporting data to arrive at a scientific conclusion.”

Recent reports within the transport sector suggested that authorities were preparing to increase the maximum speed limit on certain roads from 70 kmph to 80 kmph. However, Paskaran clarified that neither the RDA nor the Government had made an official decision.

“There has been no such decision taken at present. Personally, I believe that an increase may be possible, but any such move must be based on proper scientific study and evidence before implementation,” he said.

He further emphasised that any future amendments to speed regulations would require a clear distinction between expressways and conventional roads, noting that minimum speed requirements were only being considered for expressways.

“Imposing minimum speed limits on normal roads would not be practical or appropriate,” Paskaran explained.

According to the RDA Chairman, the Ministry of Transport has already been informed of the discussions surrounding the possible introduction of minimum speed regulations on expressways. “The Ministry of Transport is aware of these discussions and the view that expressways should have minimum speed limits,” he said. Alongside the review of speed regulations, the RDA has also intensified broader road safety initiatives by allocating dedicated funding specifically for safety-related infrastructure improvements.

Paskaran revealed that the Treasury had approved a separate road safety allocation for the authority, marking a shift from the previous practice of incorporating safety expenditure within the general maintenance allocation.

“We now have a separate road safety allocation. Previously, road safety expenditure was included under the maintenance allocation, but the Treasury has now provided a separate allocation for safety initiatives. This year alone, we have received more than Rs. 1 billion and have already commenced implementing several road safety measures,” he stated.