Vehicle number plate backlog hits 200,000; printing delayed further

• New vehicle number plates will feature enhanced security measures

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The printing of vehicle number plates, delayed for over eight months, is expected to delay a further three months, with the backlog now approaching 200,000 vehicles since March last year.  

The delay has created a crisis on the roads, with industry sources estimating that over 200,000 vehicles are currently operating without government-issued number plates, raising concerns over safety and security especially at a time when the country’s crime rate is also soaring. 

During the past year, a total of 312,177 motor vehicles were registered, with motorcycles accounting for the majority at 223,228.  

Yesterday, the Cabinet approved signing agreements and initiating the supplier registration process for the printing of vehicle number plates, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He added that if the contract awardee, M/s South Asian Technologies, fails to print the first vehicle number plate within three months of bid approval, the government will somehow take necessary measures to ensure the project stays on schedule.  

Addressing the weekly Cabinet meeting, Minister Jayatissa acknowledged delays caused by the completion of the procurement process and the transition from companies that had operated as monopolies for about 25 years. He emphasized that proper procedures must still be followed.  

He also highlighted that there will be no increase in the price for printing vehicle number plates. However, due to streamlining the process, the government has not yet received the expected revenue.  

The new vehicle number plates will feature enhanced security measures, which have been accredited by the University of Moratuwa. The university has stated that it cannot fully certify all features, and assistance from an international laboratory will be required for full certification.  

Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake had earlier informed Parliament that the new vehicle number plates, incorporating advanced security features and modern technology, would be issued by November 15.  

Minister Jayatissa added that bids were invited under the National Competitive Procurement Procedure for the printing and supply of vehicle number plates for the Department of Motor Traffic. A total of four bids were received, and following evaluation by the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board, M/s South Asian Technologies was recommended for the contract.  

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved awarding the contract to M/s South Asian Technologies for a five-year period to print and supply vehicle number plates.  

Out of the 200,000 vehicles awaiting official number plates, this includes motorcycles, cars, three-wheelers, and electric vehicles. Earlier government figures indicated that around 127,745 motorcycles and 25,526 electric vehicles were without plates as of late 2025.   

With vehicle import restrictions now lifted, the true financial loss to the state could escalate to nearly Rs. 1 billion over the contract period once the backlog is cleared.  

Due to a shortage of vehicle number plates, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has announced that the issuing of number plates has been suspended from April 28 and brand-new vehicle registrations and other registration owners were permitted to use temporary number plates with the approval of the DMT.  

The police and the respective District Secretaries have been informed of this temporary procedure, allowing vehicle owners to drive without any obstacles.