82 Killed in 77 Road Accidents in 13 Days

16-Jan-2026

.

Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Ranagala of the Traffic Control and Road Safety Division stated that 82 people were killed in 77 road accidents between January 1 and January 13 this year.

Addressing a media briefing in Battaramulla, he noted that in 2023 alone, approximately 22,153 road accidents were recorded nationwide, including 2,597 fatal accidents that claimed 2,746 lives.

On Jan 12 alone, 11 accidents resulted in 16 deaths, with multiple incidents reported in Mundel and Kilinochchi. Investigations revealed driver negligence as the primary cause. 

He urged motorists to stop driving if they experience fatigue or drowsiness, warning that road accidents significantly impact the country’s economic growth, particularly as most victims belong to the 17–40 age group.