The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Eng. Ranjith Rubasinghe, has firmly denied reports claiming that a decision has been made to cancel all un-updated driving licenses. He clarified that such reports are entirely false and emphasized that no such decision has been taken.
During a press conference held today (August 23) at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’, Rubasinghe announced the introduction of a new system aimed at updating the information of nearly 2 million driving license holders who have yet to update their licenses. The update process is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Rubasinghe provided additional context, explaining that since the issuance of the first driving license in Sri Lanka in the 1960s, approximately 12.3 million licenses have been issued. He noted that licenses from the 1960s do not have an expiry date, which has allowed them to be used indefinitely without renewal. As a result, the information for about 2 million license holders remains outdated.
“The digitization of all transport sector services is currently underway. Procurement for the digitization of black marks and on-the-spot fines is nearing completion,” Rubasinghe stated. “Starting January 1, 2025, fines and on-the-spot penalties will be managed through this new system, which will require updated information for all driving licenses.”
Rubasinghe assured that the upcoming process to update the information of the nearly 2 million un-updated license holders will not require new medical records or visits to the Department of Motor Traffic. He emphasized that no new driving licenses will be issued, nor will existing licenses be canceled. Any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.
Additionally, Rubasinghe announced plans to introduce the e-Driving License within the first six months of 2025. He also addressed the recent issue of card shortages, which led to the issuance of temporary driving licenses to approximately 800,000 individuals. Of these, only 91,000 have received their cards so far, but the Ministry expects to issue the remaining cards within the next two months.
“Since last year, about 200,000 new driving licenses have been issued, and all of these will be processed before the end of this year,” Rubasinghe added. “Normal card issuance for new licenses will resume as usual next year.”
Rubasinghe also highlighted the successful implementation of an online system for purchasing train tickets, effective from August 22, allowing passengers to buy digital tickets through the website www.pravesha.lk, eliminating the need to wait in queues. He indicated plans to introduce this online system for season tickets before the end of the year and to roll out new methods for train seat reservations and goods transportation over the next three months.
The event was also attended by Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic, Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe.
—PMD
