Transport Ministry Debunks Claims of Driving Licence Cancellations and Announces Updates
August 24, Colombo (LNW): Transport and Highways Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe has clarified that recent reports suggesting the cancellation of un-updated driving licences are entirely false. He assured the public that no such decision has been made. Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (23), Rubasinghe also announced the introduction of a new system to update the information of nearly two million driving licence holders who have not yet updated their details.
Rubasinghe explained that since the issuance of the first driving licence in Sri Lanka in the 1960s, approximately 12.3 million licences have been distributed. Many of these older licences do not have an expiry date and have remained valid indefinitely, resulting in outdated information for about two million holders.
To address this, the Ministry is implementing a new method to update licence information, aiming to complete the process by the end of this year. Importantly, this update will not require new medical records or visits to the Motor Traffic Department, and no existing licences will be cancelled.
In addition to this, the Ministry is moving forward with the digitization of transport sector services. Starting January 1, 2025, fines and on-the-spot penalties will be managed through a new digital system, necessitating updated information for all driving licences. The Ministry also plans to introduce the e-Driving Licence within the first six months of 2025.
Rubasinghe also addressed issues related to the temporary driving licences issued due to a shortage of cards. Out of approximately 800,000 temporary licences issued, only 91,000 have received their permanent cards so far. The remaining cards are expected to be issued within the next two months, with normal card issuance resuming next year.
Additionally, Rubasinghe highlighted the successful launch of an online system for purchasing train tickets, which began on August 22. This system, available through the website www.pravesha.lk, allows passengers to purchase digital train tickets, eliminating the need to wait in queues. The Ministry plans to expand this system to include season tickets and other services within the next three months.
Motor Traffic Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe also attended the event, providing further insights into the ongoing developments in the transport sector.
