Temporary driving licence facility extended to Sri Lankans at BIA

Colombo, Dec. 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Motor Traffic has expanded its temporary driving licence service to include Sri Lankan citizens and Sri Lankans with dual citizenship through its office at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Previously, the facility was available mainly through the Werahera office of the Department of Motor Traffic, which has long been issuing temporary driving licences based on valid driving licences issued in foreign countries. The office established at BIA commenced operations on August 3, 2025, initially to facilitate services for foreign nationals.

With the expansion of services, Sri Lankan citizens and dual citizens holding valid foreign driving licences can now also obtain temporary driving licences through the BIA office.

The service is available subject to the payment of prescribed fees under the Motor Vehicle (Driving Licence) Fee Regulations, as amended by the orders published in Government Gazette Extraordinary No. 2463/04 dated November 17, 2025.

Temporary driving licences can currently be obtained through the Werahera office and the Department of Motor Traffic office located within the Bandaranaike International Airport premises. Authorities said the facility will be extended to district offices in the future to further improve public access.