The Motor Traffic Department (MTD) of Sri Lanka is undergoing a significant technological and functional overhaul, following the introduction of a new comprehensive IT solution developed through a partnership with a private firm.
The initiative involves the design, development, testing, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a new information system under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model.
This strategic shift aims to streamline services and reduce delays, including the issuance of 130,000 driving licenses, which were delayed due to previous printing backlogs.
Steps will be taken to print and issue the 130,000 accumulated driving license cards, delayed due to previous printing backlogs, within January.
Additionally, services within the institution will be streamlined and maintained through an online system, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister said.
Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena and Ports and Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku made these remarks during an emergency inspection tour of the Werahera premises of the Department of Motor Transport.
During the visit, the Ministers inspected the structure and functioning of the institution. They announced plans to transform it into a more efficient, service-oriented public institution by replacing the current technical methods with modern, more effective alternatives.
The Ministers emphasised that the new government’s policy is to achieve a historic transformation by the end of 2025.
They highlighted their commitment to implementing the necessary measures to realise these aspirations.
Rather than focusing solely on physical infrastructure development, such as constructing buildings, the government aims to prioritise human resources and skills development to enhance the efficiency of service delivery.
The government’s goal is to transform the MTD into a more efficient, service-oriented public institution by replacing outdated technical methods with modern, more effective alternatives.
The transformation will not only improve operational systems but also focus on the development of human resources and skills to enhance service delivery. The process is set to be completed by the end of 2025, in line with the government’s broader policy objectives.
The procurement process is being carefully managed through a Standard Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC) and Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), with the current service provider continuing operations for an additional six months.
A new joint venture firm will be selected for the new IT system through a transparent process.
New smart driving licenses will feature high-security polycarbonate cards with a QR code, which can be scanned by police for easy access to driver and vehicle details. The system is designed to reduce costs for the government, as the private sector will finance the project.
This overhaul is part of the government’s long-term strategy to modernize the MTD, minimize delays in service delivery, and improve overall customer satisfaction, with a focus on utilizing the private sector’s expertise and innovation.
