August 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to overhaul the way vehicles are assessed for road safety, with the Department of Motor Traffic planning to introduce a nationwide roadworthiness certification system from 2028.
The proposed scheme will go beyond the existing emissions test by examining the overall mechanical and safety condition of vehicles before they are cleared for use on public roads.
Engineer Dasun Gamage, Director of the Vehicle Emission Testing Unit at the Department of Motor Traffic, said the expanded inspection would cover critical components such as brakes, lighting systems, tyres and other essential mechanical features, while emissions would remain part of the assessment.
The authorities intend to begin broadening the programme this year, initially focusing on vehicles that carry passengers. This will include public passenger transport, school transport services, office staff transport vehicles and buses used for organised tours and other special journeys.
The move is aimed at identifying mechanically unsafe vehicles before they become a danger to passengers and other road users, while also encouraging owners to maintain their vehicles to a higher standard.
To support the new inspection framework, the Department has begun recruiting about 300 personnel and technical staff. The additional workforce is expected to play a key role as the testing programme expands and eventually becomes a mandatory requirement for a wider range of vehicles.
Gamage said people with an NVQ Level 4 qualification in automobile mechanics are eligible to apply for the technical positions. Owners of vehicle repair centres are also among those who can seek opportunities under the recruitment programme.
The planned system represents a significant shift from Sri Lanka’s current emphasis on vehicle emissions, placing greater attention on whether vehicles are mechanically fit and safe to operate. Authorities expect the phased approach to provide the technical capacity needed before the full roadworthiness certification system comes into effect in 2028.
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