Behind the wheel, lives are at risk: Police reveal shocking road death toll

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka Police have urged the public to send video evidence of reckless driving and traffic violations to WhatsApp number 070-4755600. Ada Derana also reports the police appeal, amid concern about fatal road accidents.

Police attributed serious and fatal crashes to factors including excessive speed, reckless driving and disregard for traffic rules.

Newswire reports that police warned that unauthorised or unsafe vehicle modifications put passengers and other road users at risk. The Police Media Division said inquiries into recent crashes found that some buses involved, including modified vehicles, had been operating without valid fitness certificates or required regulatory approvals.

Newswire reports that the public can report vehicles producing excessive black smoke to WhatsApp number 070-3500525, including the registration number, date, location and supporting images or video. Other reporting channels listed by police are emergency hotline 119, Colombo Emergency Call Division at 0112-433333 and National Transport Commission hotline 1955.

Newswire reports that police urged owners and drivers to ensure vehicles meet legal requirements and safety standards before using public roads, and said islandwide traffic enforcement would continue with legal action against traffic offenders. In a separate headline teaser, Newswire reports that 2,381 people had died in 2,257 fatal road accidents across Sri Lanka so far in 2026.