{
  "id": 7661923,
  "title": "AAC launches seat belt safety awareness initiative with RDA Colombo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/aac-launches-seat-belt-safety-awareness-initiative-with-rda-colombo",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T23:59:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/aac-launches-seat-belt-safety-awareness-initiative-with-rda-colombo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Automobile Association of Ceylon, in partnership with the Road Development Authority and Police – Traffic Division, will launch a special Road Safety Awareness Programme to emphasize the significance of wearing seat belts, especially on express highways. This initiative aims to decrease road fatalities and severe injuries. The special ceremony occurred on 14th September 2026 at the Chairman’s Office of the Road Development Authority, where AAC presented specially designed Seat Belt Safety Hanging Tags & Stickers to the RDA for distribution to motorists at expressway entry points. This initiative is in line with the upcoming seat belt law effective 19th September 2026, and its goal is to heighten public awareness about the importance of wearing seat belts in both front and rear vehicle seats. At the ceremony, Dhammika Attygalle, President of AAC; Prasanna De Zoysa, Sectional Chairman – Road Safety; and Devapriya Hettiarachchi, Secretary, Senior Superintendent of Police – Traffic Sisira Peththrathanthri, were present. The Automobile Association of Ceylon has consistently emphasized road safety as a top priority. Through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and collaborations with government authorities and other stakeholders, the Association continues to promote responsible driving and safer behavior among all road users. The AAC firmly believes that the proper utilization of seat belts, including by rear-seat passengers, is a straightforward yet crucial safety measure that can prevent serious injuries and save lives during road crashes. This program further enhances the collaboration between AAC, the Road Development Authority, and the Police in their shared dedication to safer roads and saving lives in Sri Lanka.",
  "summary": "The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), in collaboration with the Road Development Authority (RDA) and Police – Traffic Division, will conduct a special Road Safety Awareness Programme to promote the importance of wearing seat belts in vehicles specially on the express highways in order to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries. The official handing-over ceremony […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Automobile Association of Ceylon partners with RDA and Police for seat belt awareness.",
    "Launch ceremony held on 14th September 2026 at RDA Chairman’s Office.",
    "Initiative aims to reduce road fatalities and injuries ahead of new seat belt law."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}