Govt signs Rs. 3bn number plate printing agreement

10 March 2026 02:20 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, March 10 (Daily Mirror) - The official agreement to transfer the printing of vehicle number plates in the country to a new private company under a Rs. 3 billion project was signed today.

Speaking to the media, Commissioner General of Motor Transport Kamal Amarasinghe said that, five year contract was awarded following a lengthy procurement process with the approval of the Cabinet and the advice of the Attorney General.

"According to the agreement, the company is required to commence production within three months. However, considering the current demand, steps are being taken to begin operations within the next two months." he explained.

Amarasinghe noted that a large backlog has accumulated as the printing of number plates had been suspended for nearly ten months.

He said that, measures will be taken to promptly resume the service, focusing on the Werahera premises of the Department of Motor Traffic, with number plate printing expected to recommence by the end of April or during the first week of May.

He further said that the company has already begun preliminary construction work at the Werahera premises, while arrangements have been made to import the required printing machinery.

Comments - 5

Gerard Tuesday, 10 March 2026 02:52 PM

Is this country looking for new ways to waste money and open up for more fraud? Why is the car buyer not required to pay for the number plate? If you are capable for spending millions on buying a car, can't they spend a bit of money for a number plate? In the UK for example, the dealer gives the plate number and it is the responsibility of the customer to get the plates done and bring it to the dealer. By the way, was this done by the prisioners before? Is it now becasue of human rights we cannot get them to do this? 3 bn for a number plate contract!! Another scam is brewing up!

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Puwakdanda Thursday, 12 March 2026 03:41 PM

They took 16 months to identify a number plate supplier. Just imagine if they had to build something? Looks like deal Wasantha will add something to his 270 million.

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Kandaih Balendran Tuesday, 10 March 2026 04:33 PM

What is the name of the private company? Who are the owners? Are they an established organisation with a good reputation?

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Sam Tuesday, 10 March 2026 08:30 PM

First we had fuel and no number plates, now we will have number plates and no fuel!

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Mohan Wednesday, 11 March 2026 10:56 AM

Isn't 5 billion too high?

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