COLOMBO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from fatal accidents during the Sri Lankan New Year has reached 50 while over 600 people have been hospitalized in road mishaps during the past one week, police said Wednesday.
Officials from Sri Lanka's main Colombo National Hospital said most of the victims who succumbed to their injuries were motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The highest number of accidents were reported on April 14 and 15, from Anuradhapura, in the island's north central province.
Police Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said the accidents were mainly due to drunk driving and speeding.
Over 500 drivers were also arrested for drunk driving from various districts during the New Year period.
Security had been tightened across the country since April 12 to nab drunk and speeding drivers and prevent any incidents from taking place.
Sri Lanka celebrated its local New Year from April 12 to 15, with a majority of citizens on holiday for over a week.
