• Two committees established to oversee implementation, policy decisions

The Government’s proposed demerit point system for traffic offenders is set to be rolled out nationwide as a pilot project in September, with authorities currently working on the necessary digital infrastructure and administrative framework required for its implementation.

DIG in charge of Traffic and Road Safety W.P.J. Senadheera told The Sunday Morning that groundwork for the demerit point system was already underway, with two committees established to oversee the process.

He noted that while the initial phase was scheduled to commence by 31 August, the full implementation process would continue until 31 March 2027.

According to DIG Senadheera, two committees have already been appointed: an oversight committee and a working committee tasked with implementation.

“The oversight committee makes high-level decisions and consists of senior officials, including the Secretary and the Inspector General of Police. Below that, the head of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and I co-chair the working committee, which will carry out the process,” he explained. 

DIG Senadheera said that the project’s Terms of Reference (TOR) included provisions for officer training, device procurement, and other operational requirements necessary for the system’s implementation.

“Therefore, when the system is introduced, that entire package will already be in place,” he said.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake underscored the importance of the demerit point system in improving driver discipline and reducing road fatalities. He noted that 2,750 people had died in road accidents last year, including approximately 1,000 motorcyclists and 1,000 pedestrians.

Media Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways M.R.M. Rushdy told The Sunday Morning that the pilot project would be implemented in selected areas nationwide, rather than being limited to a specific area or category of drivers. He added that the demerit point system would continuously monitor and track drivers’ conduct.

“An application is being designed by the Ministry of Digital Economy. Users will also be provided with an interface through which they can view their details with limited access. I do not have the specifics yet, as it is still in the development stage,” he said, noting that the system remained at the approval stage and could undergo changes as the pilot project progressed.

DIG Senadheera said that the project was being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Sri Lanka Police, the DMT, and the Ministry of Digital Economy, adding that the system architecture had already been established.

The demerit point system, which has been under consideration for several years, is expected to operate by assigning drivers a maximum number of points, which will be deducted whenever a traffic offence is committed. Minister Rathnayake recently informed Parliament that drivers would begin with 24 points, which would be decreased for violations of the Motor Traffic Act.