The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has resumed the printing of vehicle number plates at its Werahera premises after a suspension lasting more than a year. The service restarted on 8 June 2025 under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, bringing relief to thousands of vehicle owners across Sri Lanka who have been waiting for their registration plates.

The resumption marks a significant milestone in addressing the administrative backlog that has frustrated motorists since early 2024. Vehicle owners will now receive SMS alerts notifying them when their number plates are ready for collection, streamlining a process that had become increasingly chaotic during the suspension period.

New SMS Notification System for Number Plates

The introduction of SMS alerts represents a modernisation effort by the DMT to improve communication with vehicle owners. Previously, individuals had to repeatedly visit DMT offices or make phone calls to check on the status of their number plates. The new system will automatically send text messages to registered mobile numbers once plates have been manufactured and are ready for pickup.

Deputy Minister Gunasena emphasised that the SMS notification system would reduce unnecessary visits to DMT offices and help manage the crowd of applicants more effectively. The digital alert system is expected to handle notifications for both new vehicle registrations and replacement plates for damaged or lost originals.

Year-Long Suspension Creates Massive Backlog

The printing of vehicle number plates had been halted for more than twelve months due to technical and administrative challenges at the DMT. During this extended suspension, newly registered vehicles were forced to operate with temporary permits, while owners requiring replacement plates faced significant delays.

Industry observers noted that the suspension created a ripple effect across Sri Lanka's automotive sector. Vehicle sales, transfers, and registrations were all impacted as buyers hesitated to complete transactions without confirmation that permanent number plates would be available within a reasonable timeframe.

The backlog is estimated to involve tens of thousands of pending applications. DMT officials have not yet announced a specific timeline for clearing the accumulated requests, though the department has indicated it will prioritise applications based on submission dates.

Werahera Facility Upgrades

The Department of Motor Traffic has reportedly invested in upgrading equipment at the Werahera printing facility to ensure consistent production capacity going forward. The improvements include updated plate-making machinery and enhanced quality control procedures to meet national standards.

Transport sector analysts suggest that the modernisation effort reflects broader attempts by government agencies to digitise services and reduce manual processing bottlenecks. The DMT has faced criticism in recent years for outdated systems that struggle to keep pace with Sri Lanka's growing vehicle population.

What Vehicle Owners Should Know

Vehicle owners who submitted applications during the suspension period are advised to ensure their mobile contact details are correctly registered with the DMT. Those who have changed phone numbers since applying should visit their nearest DMT office to update records, ensuring they receive SMS notifications when plates become available.

For new vehicle registrations, the DMT has confirmed that the standard processing timeline will apply now that printing services have resumed. Owners should expect to receive their SMS alert within several weeks of completing registration formalities, though the exact duration may vary depending on the volume of pending applications.

Replacement number plates for lost, stolen, or damaged originals will follow a similar notification process. Applicants must present the required documentation and pay applicable fees before their requests enter the production queue.

The resumption of number plate printing at Werahera is expected to normalise vehicle registration processes across Sri Lanka in the coming months. The DMT has not ruled out expanding the SMS notification system to cover other services, including licence renewals and vehicle inspections, as part of its ongoing digitalisation initiatives.

Deputy Minister Gunasena stated that the government remains committed to improving transport-related services and reducing bureaucratic delays that affect citizens and businesses alike. The successful restart of number plate production will be closely monitored to ensure sustained operations without further interruptions.

Source: Daily Mirror