A Three-wheeler Association has voiced its protest to the government’s new initiative to provide driving licences to foreign tourists at the Katunayake Airport.

Addressing the media, a representative of the association pointed out that in the recent past, there was a significant increase in accidents involving foreign tourists driving three-wheelers.

“A majority of foreign tourists use three-wheelers. Most of them are from Europe. Tourists from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh do not engage in such activities,” he said.

The representative further said that providing driving licences to foreign tourists has also severely affected locals engaged in tourism.

“This initiative has resulted in several people involved in the tourism sector losing their jobs. Is this what the government was expecting?” he questioned.

He pointed out that this initiative has not only negatively affected three-wheeler drivers, but drivers of other vehicles also involved in the tourism sector, with many losing their earnings. (Newswire)

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The government has significantly reduced costs associated with the software maintenance contract for printing driver’s licences, Newsfirst reported.

The move saves the government Rs. 156 million annually through a competitive tender process, the report said.

According to Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Ruwan Kodithuwakku the previous contract, which had remained unchanged for 13 years, cost the government Rs. 184 million per year.

Following a transparent procurement process, the new contract has been awarded at Rs. 28 million annually, the minister revealed.

The cost of printing individual driver’s licence cards has also been lowered, he said.

Under the revised agreement, the per-card cost has dropped from Rs. 311 to Rs. 263.80.

The Deputy Minister said the move not only results in substantial public savings but also addresses irregularities in previous tender procedures.

The Ministry has placed an order for 800,000 driver’s licence cards under the new agreement. (Newswire)

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