Over 758 substandard helmets seized in island-wide raids

Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) reported that it seized more than 758 motorcycle helmets without the required SLS certification mark during two nationwide enforcement operations in July and October 2026. The combined total came from 182 successful raids, according to Newswire and Daily Mirror.

The October operation began on October 6 and targeted helmets sold without certification under the SLS 517 standard. The CAA said it seized at least 327 helmets in 84 successful raids across 21 districts. Helmets sold under different brand names were found, with some identical or similar brands appearing in more than one district.

The authority said its inquiries have widened from retailers to suppliers, distributors, importers and manufacturers. It is also investigating reports involving SLS stickers in Gampaha, Mullaitivu and Mannar. The CAA identified children’s and smaller-sized helmets without certification and said it would assess them against the relevant standard when marketed as protective helmets for motorcycle riders or other vehicle users.

The CAA also reported instances of helmets being sold without proper purchase invoices or enough information to trace their manufacturers and suppliers. It said legal action was expected in connection with those violations. The earlier operation, conducted on July 27, resulted in more than 431 helmets seized in 98 successful raids.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.