A discussion has been held on the implementation of the roadmap for the proposed traffic fine demerit system during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake today.
The meeting was attended by the Inspector General of Police, the Chairman of the Postal Department, the Consultant to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Additional Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Transport, Deputy Inspectors General, senior police officers, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) officials and other relevant stakeholders.
According to the Transport Ministry, the meeting comes as the government moves forward with plans to introduce a demerit points mechanism aimed at promoting disciplined driving and improving road safety.
Officials discussed the legal, technical and operational steps required to roll out the system, including coordination between the Sri Lanka Police, the Department of Motor Traffic, postal services and digital platforms to ensure effective enforcement, data sharing and public notification.
The proposed demerit system is designed to identify repeat traffic offenders by assigning penalty points for violations.
Drivers who accumulate the maximum number of demerit points are expected to face sanctions such as licence cancellation, with provisions for retraining, examinations and medical clearance before reissuing a licence.
Officials noted that the system has not yet been implemented and that preparatory work is ongoing, including the evaluation of bids submitted in response to a tender for the required technological infrastructure. Authorities have said the public will be informed once the system is ready to be rolled out.
The Transport Ministry further said consultations will follow as part of a phased implementation plan, with an emphasis on public awareness and institutional readiness ahead of the launch of the demerit points system. (Newswire)