April 23, Colombo (LNW): Interest in high-end vehicle registration numbers has risen sharply in recent years, with officials reporting a marked shift in motorists’ willingness to pay for exclusive plates.
Data presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) reveals that since 2023, more than 1,100 premium number plates have either been issued or set aside by applicants. The figures, compiled by the Department of Motor Traffic, illustrate a rapid increase in demand over a relatively short period.
In 2023, uptake remained minimal, with just a handful of motorists opting for customised plates. However, this number grew modestly the following year before accelerating dramatically in 2025, when several hundred applications were recorded.
The upward trend has continued into 2026, with hundreds more reservations already confirmed by mid-April.
Officials noted that prices for these distinctive plates range from six figures up to around one million rupees, with a notable proportion of buyers gravitating towards the most expensive options.
This growing appetite for prestige registrations is seen by some as a reflection of evolving consumer preferences and a desire for status symbols on the road.
With over a thousand transactions and reservations completed within three years, authorities believe the demand for premium number plates is likely to remain strong, potentially opening up new revenue streams for the state while reshaping the culture surrounding vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka.