The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is planning to introduce mandatory roadworthiness tests for vehicles in Sri Lanka from early 2027, in addition to the existing vehicle emission tests.
Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, retired Air Marshal Thushara Fernando, said the proposed system is currently under discussion and has been referred to the department’s legal division.
Addressing a media briefing today (22), Fernando said the initiative is being developed under the guidance of the Transport Minister to improve vehicle safety.
Under the proposal, vehicle owners would be required to obtain a roadworthiness certificate from an authorized garage, in addition to the existing emission test certificate.
The department is considering requiring vehicle inspections at intervals of approximately 5,000 kilometers or three months.
Fernando said applications have been called from garages interested in conducting the inspections. Suitable garages will be selected based on criteria established by the department.
However, the Commissioner General did not clarify whether the proposed requirement would apply to all vehicles or only specific categories, such as passenger transport and commercial vehicles.
He also referred to the recent fatal road accident in Akurana, where a cement-carrying heavy vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure while travelling downhill, crashing into several other vehicles.
The Commissioner General said the proposed roadworthiness testing 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. (Newswire)
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