Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake this morning (20) told Parliament that the international driving licence counter at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) had prevented a large-scale scam where so-called brokers had been charging foreign nationals around USD 100 to obtain licences.
Defending the decision to open the counter at the airport, the Minister said it provided a convenient service for tourists who would otherwise have to spend an entire day at the Department of Motor Traffic in Piliyandala.
Rathnayake clarified that the temporary licences issued at Katunayake are only valid for light vehicles used for private transport.
“These licences cannot be used for public transport. They do not cover three-wheelers,” he stressed.
The Minister said the earlier practice of issuing permits for three-wheelers had been discontinued due to safety concerns and to protect the livelihoods of those in the three-wheeler industry.
“We have strictly instructed the authorities to halt issuing three-wheeler licences under this system,” he said.
Rathnayake also noted that the Rs. 2,000 fee currently charged for temporary licences was too low, amounting to only six US dollars.
Tourism organisations had raised concerns on this matter, he said, adding that Cabinet approval would be sought to revise the charges through a gazette notification.
“These regulations are being strictly enforced at both Katunayake Airport and the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera,” he said.
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