The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) plans to make roadworthiness tests mandatory for vehicles in Sri Lanka from early 2027, in addition to the existing emission tests.

Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Thushara Fernando, a retired Air Marshal, said the proposed system is under discussion and has been referred to the department’s legal division. He was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday.

Fernando said the initiative is being developed under the guidance of the Transport Minister to improve vehicle safety.

Under the proposal, owners would have to obtain a roadworthiness certificate from an authorised garage, as well as the emission test certificate they already need. The department is considering inspections at intervals of about 5,000 kilometres or three months.

Fernando said applications have been called from garages that wish to carry out the inspections, and suitable garages will be chosen on criteria set by the department.

He did not say whether the requirement would apply to all vehicles or only to certain categories, such as passenger transport and commercial vehicles.

Background

Fernando referred to the recent fatal road accident at Akurana, where a heavy vehicle carrying cement reportedly suffered brake failure while travelling downhill and crashed into several other vehicles.

The DMT is the state department that registers vehicles and issues driving licences in Sri Lanka. At present, owners must obtain an emission test certificate for their vehicles. The proposal would add a separate check of whether a vehicle is mechanically fit to be on the road.

Fernando said the roadworthiness system remains at the discussion and legal review stage, with implementation targeted for early 2027. The final scope, inspection requirements and implementation procedures have yet to be announced.

What it means

If the plan goes ahead as described, vehicle owners could face regular inspections at authorised garages, which would add a cost and a step to keeping a vehicle on the road. The cost of an inspection has not been announced.

Because the department has not said which vehicles will be covered, owners of private cars, motorcycles, buses and goods vehicles cannot yet tell whether the rule will apply to them. Sri Lankans abroad who own vehicles in Sri Lanka should watch for the DMT’s final announcement.

Garages interested in carrying out the inspections have been invited to apply.