Sri Lanka Police have warned that officers who refuse to accept valid digital motor insurance cards could face action for failing to follow instructions issued by the Inspector General of Police.
DIG Senadheera of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Range said several incidents circulating on social media had shown motorists facing difficulties after police officers allegedly refused to recognise digital insurance cards.
He specifically referred to a recent incident involving the Officer-in-Charge of the Traffic Division of the Padukka Police Station, as well as an earlier incident involving an officer attached to the Gampaha Headquarters Police.
DIG Senadheera said such conduct amounted to a serious failure to follow guidelines already issued by the IGP.
According to the DIG, police stations and officers across the country had previously been informed that digital insurance cards issued by authorised insurance companies should be accepted.
He said the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka had also informed Police about digital cards issued by around 14 insurance companies.
He said the recognition of such electronic documents was also supported by the Electronic Transactions Act, No. 19 of 2006.
Police officers have also been provided with methods to verify whether a vehicle has valid insurance even when the motorist is unable to immediately produce the digital insurance card, he said.
The verification can be carried out using the short code *138# or through an SMS service using the vehicle registration number or insurance policy number. Officers and motorists can also contact the 138 call centre for assistance, according to the DIG.
He stressed that verification could be carried out using the motorist’s phone, a police officer’s phone or another available mobile phone.
Following the latest complaints, DIG Senadheera said he had requested that all 607 police stations be reminded of the instructions on accepting and verifying digital insurance cards.
Motorists who encounter officers refusing to recognise a valid digital insurance card can complain to the relevant Officer-in-Charge or a senior police officer.
DIG Senadheera said complaints can also be submitted, together with relevant details, to the Traffic Control and Road Safety Range via WhatsApp on 070 475 5600.
“Your digital insurance card is valid,” he stressed, adding that police officers have already been instructed on how to verify digital insurance coverage.
He warned that officers who disregard these instructions could be considered to have committed a serious dereliction of duty and could face action following a complaint. (Newswire)
