Parliament orders probe as driving licence backlog reaches 678,000

A parliamentary oversight panel has ordered a formal probe into the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) following revelations that nearly 678,000 driving licence applications remain pending, according to sources familiar with the matter. The substantial backlog has raised concerns about the efficiency and capacity of Sri Lanka's licensing authority to process applications within reasonable timeframes.

The investigation was initiated after the scale of the delays became apparent to lawmakers, prompting questions about resource allocation, staffing levels, and operational procedures within the DMT. The backlog represents a significant administrative challenge that has left hundreds of thousands of applicants waiting for their licences, disrupting transportation and commercial activities across the country.

Parliamentary representatives have expressed concern that the delays may indicate deeper structural issues within the motor traffic authority. The probe is expected to examine bottlenecks in the application process, identify resource constraints, and recommend measures to accelerate licence issuance and prevent future backlogs.

The DMT has not yet issued a public statement regarding the investigation or provided details on its plans to address the pending applications. Officials have previously acknowledged capacity constraints but have offered limited timelines for clearing the backlog. The parliamentary inquiry is likely to intensify pressure on the department to implement immediate remedial measures and develop a comprehensive strategy to manage future applications more efficiently.