The municipal government of the city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka's Central Province will soon begin enforcing stricter measures to ensure the safety of people travelling on tour boats, particularly along Lake Gregory.
The decision to implement the new regulations came in the wake of an incident on February 19, 2026, wherein a vessel travelling at high speed on the lake struck a boat carrying tourists.
The latter vessel capsized, though all on board were rescued without injury by the crews of some Good Samaritan boats.
Sri Lankan media reported that legal action is already being undertaken against the parties responsible for the collision. Proceedings are scheduled to take place at the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate's Court.
Nuwara Eliya Mayor Upali Wanigasekera has meanwhile called on the owners and operators of the more than 100 boats that ply the lake to remind them of the new safety regulations.
The regulations include new sailing speed restrictions and ensuring the availability of lifejackets for all passengers.