Foreigners can Obtain Sri Lankan Driving Licenses at Airports from April 15 – Transport State Minister
March 23, Colombo, LNW: Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna announced that foreign individuals seeking driving licenses in Sri Lanka will soon have the convenience of applying for them directly at the airport starting from April 15. This initiative aims to streamline the process, allowing travelers to obtain their licenses swiftly upon exiting the airport.
Moreover, State Minister Alagiyawanna highlighted another significant program initiated on March 1, which facilitates prompt compensation for road accident victims without the need for judicial action. Victims can claim a maximum compensation amount of up to Rs. 500,000 by submitting an application to the relevant insurance company within one year of the accident, thereby easing the financial burden faced by victims and their families.
Addressing a press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), the State Minister emphasized various projects aimed at curbing road accidents. These initiatives include raising awareness at the school level through road safety forums and rewarding students for their involvement in practical activities related to road safety.
Furthermore, arrangements are being made in collaboration with relevant authorities such as the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism to facilitate the issuance of driving licenses for foreigners directly at the airport. The fees for obtaining a driving license range from USD 25 for one month to USD 200 for a year or longer.
Additionally, starting from April 10, post offices handling traffic violation fines will transmit details to the National Council for Road Safety’s data system. This will enable the council to send text messages and accident-related videos to relevant individuals via WhatsApp, promoting awareness about traffic rules and safety measures.
In a significant move, Transport Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana aims to elevate the National Council for Road Safety to a Commission, seeking Cabinet approval for this proposal, which is expected to be presented to Parliament shortly for the necessary approval. This step reflects the government’s commitment to addressing present-day challenges and ensuring road safety across the country.
