🚨 Police Launch Crackdown on Unlicensed Foreign Drivers 📉

Sri Lanka Police have initiated a special operation in the Southern Province to prosecute foreign nationals driving without valid licenses and the business operators who provide them vehicles. • Legal Enforcement Authorities are targeting the unauthorized rental of motorcycles, three-wheelers, and cars. Under the Motor Traffic Act, legal action will be taken against both the driver and the vehicle owner/lessor if valid documentation is not verified. • Safety Statistics (2025 – Present) The crackdown follows a rise in tourist-related road incidents: Fatalities: 5 foreign nationals killed in 2025. Serious Accidents: 7 recorded so far in 2026. Other Incidents: 78 minor accidents and 6 cases of vehicle damage reported. • Mandatory Requirements To drive legally, foreign nationals must possess one of the following: An International Driving Permit (IDP). A Sri Lankan driving permit for foreign residents. A temporary conversion certificate issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). • Economic Context The move aims to protect the tourism sector—a vital source of foreign exchange—by reducing road risks that could tarnish the country’s safety reputation.