COLOMBO, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two youths were killed in a road crash in southern Sri Lanka, a police spokesman said on Monday.

Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara told Xinhua that their motorbike had skidded off the road and crashed against a concrete pole. There had been three persons on the bike at the time.

Gunasekara said two of them died upon admission to the nearest local hospital.

The victims had not worn helmets at the time though it was unlawful to do so, he added.

The spokesman said fatalities could be reduced if helmets were worn by those traveling on motorbikes.

More than 2,000 persons are killed in road crashes in Sri Lanka every year. Most fatalities are caused by accidents involving motorbikes and three-wheelers.