Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake on Thursday (18) announced a series of administrative and policy reforms following an inspection visit to the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) office in Werahera, aimed at improving service efficiency, easing congestion and modernising operations.
Among the key decisions, the Minister directed that a queue management system be introduced at the Werahera office without delay. Trilingual name boards in Sinhala, Tamil and English will also be installed near the main entrance as a matter of urgency to improve accessibility for the public.
The Minister further announced that a new DMT system will be mandatorily implemented by 30 April 2026. Following prior public notice, services without prior appointments will be suspended from 28 February 2026, as part of efforts to streamline operations.
Steps will also be taken to provide the required facilities and resources for volunteer staff, while measures are to be introduced to expedite the printing of the existing backlog of driving licences. In addition, special facilities will be arranged at the Werahera office for individuals who face difficulties obtaining driving licences under the standard procedures of the National Transport Medical Institute.
Legal action will be initiated to extend the initial validity period for driving licence renewal up to the age of 35, alongside an assessment of the potential revenue implications of this change.
Officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Ministry of Transport, and the Department of Motor Traffic, including the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, were present during the inspection.
