No plans to cancel un-updated driving licences, confirms Transport Ministry Secretary

• New system to update information for nearly 2 m driving licence holders
• E-driving licence to be introduced in the first half of 2025

Transport and Highways Ministry Secretary Eng. Ranjith Rubasinghe

Transport and Highways Ministry Secretary Eng. Ranjith Rubasinghe yesterday dismissed reports suggesting that all un-updated driving licences in Sri Lanka would be cancelled, stating that no such decision has been made. 

Instead, he said a new system will be introduced to update the information of nearly 2 million driving licence holders who have not yet updated their details. 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ Rubasinghe clarified the Ministry’s stance on the matter and provided insights into upcoming digital transformation initiatives within the transport sector. 

The Secretary highlighted that, since the issuance of the first driving licence in Sri Lanka in the 1960s, around 12.3 million driving licences have been issued. Many licences from the 1960s have no expiry date, allowing them to remain valid indefinitely without renewal. Consequently, approximately 2 million driving licence holders have outdated information. 

To address this issue, the Ministry plans to introduce a streamlined process for updating these licences. “This process will not require new medical records or a visit to the Department of Motor Traffic. We aim to complete this update for all licence holders by the end of this year,” Rubasinghe assured. 

He emphasised that there are no plans to issue new driving licences or cancel existing ones due to outdated information, contrary to circulating reports. The initiative aims to ensure accurate and up-to-date data for all licence holders, aligning with broader digitisation efforts.

Rubasinghe also announced significant digitisation projects within the transport sector, including the procurement for digitising black marks and on-the-spot fines nearing completion. Starting from 1 January 2025, these penalties will be managed through the new system, necessitating updated information for all driving licences. Additionally, the Ministry plans to introduce an e-Driving Licence within the first half of 2025, marking a shift towards more efficient and technology-driven services.

Amid a recent shortage of driving licence cards, approximately 800,000 temporary licences were issued, with only 91,000 individuals having received their cards so far. Rubasinghe assured that the remaining cards would be distributed within the next two months, with normal card issuance resuming next year. 

In a bid to further enhance convenience for commuters, the Ministry has launched an online train ticketing system effective from 22 August. Passengers can now purchase digital tickets through the website www.pravesha.lk, eliminating the need to queue at ticket counters. “Counter sales will still be available for those who prefer to buy tickets in person. The Ministry plans to extend this online service to include season tickets before the year ends,” he added.

Additionally, new systems for train seat reservations and goods transportation are expected to be introduced over the next three months.