King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

The recent decision by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport to enforce mandatory seat belt use on expressways marks a significant stride toward reducing road fatalities and serious injuries. This policy, which takes effect in July 2025 for bus drivers and will be gradually extended to all passengers , reflects global best practices and aligns with international safety standards.  To maximize the impact of this regulation, a comprehensive approach addressing technical, operational, educational, and enforcement aspects is essential. Mandatory Technical Specifications for Effective Seat Belts Effective seat belts must comply with internationally recognized technical standards to ensure occupant safety. According to the United Nations Regulation No. 16, an approved seat belt must: Bear a type approval mark, including a capital "E" in a circle indicating certification by an authorized country. Undergo rigorous testing for strength, durability, and compatibili...

Mere days after the reported bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States, an event widely expected to trigger a surge in global oil prices, the market responded with an unexpected twist. Instead of spiking, crude oil prices initially dropped by a surprising 7.5% , eventually stabilising at a 7% reduction . Even now, prices remain around 5% lower than pre-incident levels, which should have brought relief to oil-importing countries like Sri Lanka . But in a puzzling move, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC),  Sri Lanka’s chronically loss-making, state-owned petroleum refiner and distributor, announced a sharp fuel price hike in their month-end revision. The price of 92 Octane petrol and diesel was increased, flying in the face of global oil market trends and public expectations. The CPC justified the price hike by citing “unsettled conditions in the Middle East.” However, this explanation collapses under scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz , a vital route for oil ...