Sri Lanka, Aug. 26 -- International racing champion Dilantha Malagamuwa urged Sri Lankan motorists to view seat belts as a safeguard for their lives rather than merely a legal requirement. Speaking at the National Road Safety Program held today at the Kottawa Expressway Entrance, he noted that many local drivers only use seat belts out of fear of traffic police, a contrast to the approach in many foreign countries, where they are used for personal protection. Malagamuwa also highlighted the urgent need for awareness, revealing that nearly 3,000 people die annually in road accidents, many due to not wearing seat belts.

In a related development, the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation announced that seat belts will b...