Around 678,000 driving licences are currently awaiting printing in Sri Lanka, officials of the Department of Motor Traffic have revealed.
Officials told Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development that the current daily printing capacity stands at approximately 4,600 licences, resulting in the backlog continuing to grow.
To address the delay, two new printing machines are expected to be installed by Oct. 15, increasing daily printing capacity to around 8,200 licences.
The committee, chaired by MP S.M. Marikkar, has ordered a formal investigation into delays in issuing both driving licences and vehicle number plates.
Officials have been instructed to submit a comprehensive report within 45 days covering how the delays began, the administrative and technical factors involved, and the relevant tender and procurement processes.
Meanwhile, officials said number plates are now being issued within 14 days for vehicles registered after March 10, 2026.
The committee also stressed the need to improve equipment and technical facilities at the Department of Motor Traffic and establish measures to prevent similar delays in public services in the future. (Newswire)