13-Year-Old Contract Replaced As Sri Lanka Cuts Driver’s License Software Costs

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation has announced a significant cost reduction in the software maintenance contract for printing driver’s licenses, saving Rs. 156 million through a competitive tender process.

Deputy Minister Ruwan Kodithuwakku revealed that the previous contract, which had been in place for 13 years, cost the government Rs. 184 million annually. 

However, following a transparent procurement process, the new contract was awarded for just Rs. 28 million per year.

In addition, the tender for the driver’s license card printing has also been revised, resulting in a reduced cost per card. Previously, each card cost Rs. 311, but under the new agreement, the price has dropped to Rs. 263.80.

The Deputy Minister stated that this move not only saves public funds but also corrects several irregularities that had occurred in past tender procedures.

As part of the new arrangement, the Ministry has already placed an order for 800,000 driver’s license cards.