Srilankan Government Orders Urgent Reforms After Inspection of Werahera Motor Traffic Office
Colombo, The Gulf Observer: The Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Ratnayake, has directed a series of urgent administrative and service reforms following an inspection tour of the Werahera office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) on Friday (18).
During the visit, the Minister instructed officials to immediately introduce an effective queue management system and to display name boards in all three official languages near the main entrance, aimed at improving public access, transparency and service efficiency.
He further directed that a new Motor Transport digital system (DMT System) be made mandatory by April 30, 2026. In addition, the Minister ordered that services without prior appointments be suspended from February 28, 2026, following the issuance of adequate public notice to ensure a smooth transition for applicants.
Among other key decisions, Minister Ratnayake instructed officials to urgently provide necessary facilities and resources for volunteers, expedite the printing of driving licences currently affected by backlogs, and enhance facilities at the Werahera office for applicants facing difficulties in obtaining licences through the standard procedures of the National Transport Medical Institute.
The Minister also directed that legal arrangements be prepared to extend the first renewal period of driving licences up to the age of 35 years, along with a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of this measure on government revenue.
Representatives from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Ministry of Transport, the Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic, as well as several senior officials, were present during the inspection and subsequent discussions.
