Audit flags Rs.134Mn loss in driving license printing

• Between September 15, 2023 and July 2024, a total of 507,807 cards printed

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The audit of the Department of Motor Traffic for the year 2024 has revealed that the government incurred losses of over Rs.134 million (Rs.134,568,855) in the printing of driving license cards. 

The audit found that while the Sri Lanka Army purchased license cards in 2022 at Rs.311 per card for the Werahera printing facility, it later entered into an agreement with a private company to print the cards at Rs.576 each.  >>A2

According to the audit report, this decision was made without inviting competitive bids or following proper procurement procedures. Between September 15, 2023 and July 2024, a total of 507,807 cards were printed under this arrangement, resulting in an additional Rs.265 per card paid by the government. 

The Accounting Officer of the Department of Motor Traffic explained that due to import restrictions, economic crisis, and a backlog of pending licenses, there was an urgent need to issue licenses expeditiously. A Cabinet Paper (No. Amap/24/2115/809/005) authorised the private company to print the cards, and payments were made according to the approved prices and certified quantities by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Driving Licenses. 

The audit recommended that legal and administrative action be taken against parties responsible for the financial loss, in accordance with the Establishments Code and civil law regulations.