'Smart Card' not so soon
 

by Ananda Kannagara

The issue of new licences to 2.7 motorists will not take off as scheduled a Motor Traffic Department official told the `Sunday Observer' yesterday.

With reference to a recent newspaper report over the government's plans to issue the 'new look' licences under the name `Smart Card' (with a SIM), the Department is inundated with several telephone calls every day, making inquiries.

It is reported that some from far away places including the North and the East are reluctant to apply for new ones, as they feel that it will be beyond their reach.

However, Department sources said that two bidders who have been selected already by the Ministry to process new driving licences, have warned of a delay of several years to begin the process.

Transport Minister A. H. M. Fowzie told the `Sunday Observer' that the new `Smart' driving licence which bears several security features is internationally recognised and will cost about US 16 dollars, equivalent to Rs. 1,600.

"But with the operational work done by the Department, the actual cost of a driving licence will be around Rs. 2,000 or little more," he said.

Department officials said that the present driving licence is still helpful to the Department and there was no need for a new licence in a hurry. Meanwhile, Minister Fowzie said he would seek Cabinet approval to introduce the new licence.