Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku announced that plans are underway to introduce an online system for issuing medical certificates required to obtain a driver’s licence.
The move comes after numerous irregularities were uncovered at the National Transport Medical Institute in Nugegoda, which currently issues printed medical certificates for licence applicants.
“This process has lacked transparency and has resulted in several irregularities. Immediate steps will be taken to minimize such issues going forward,” the Deputy Minister said.
He added that the new online system will streamline the process, reducing opportunities for malpractice while making it more convenient for applicants.
Commenting further, Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku noted that renewing a driver’s licence also causes unnecessary inconvenience, as applicants are required to visit the Werahera office in person. “The only reason people must come to Werahera is to provide fingerprints. Within the next month or so, we hope to change this system so that renewals can be completed without having to visit Werahera. The groundwork has already begun,” he said.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks during an inspection tour of the Werahera branch of the Department of Motor Traffic. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne also joined the visit.
