As Sri Lanka continues its journey towards digital transformation, the Government has announced plans to integrate traffic fine payments into the GovPay system, providing motorists with a seamless and convenient method of settling penalties. This move aligns with the broader national digitalisation agenda under the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka programme.
The initiative, while promising, presents several regulatory and operational challenges that law enforcement and digital economy officials are currently working to resolve.
Speaking on the matter, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga stressed the need for comprehensive discussions before full implementation.
“We are still discussing this matter to regulate it in line with GovPay. The President has launched a digitisation programme, and while we support it, we must consider multiple legal aspects especially pertaining to traffic fines.
“According to the Motor Traffic Act, if there is a delay in payment, the offending driver must appear in court. If the fine remains unpaid, a charge sheet must be filed. We need to ensure that this process remains intact while offering the benefit of digital payments to the public,” he stated.
One of the primary concerns involves handling delayed payments. Under the current system, if a driver does not pay the fine immediately, their licence is confiscated until proof of payment is provided.
With GovPay, those who paid instantly would experience significant convenience, Manatunga noted, adding that the licence would be returned to the motorist without further hassle. However, uncertainties remain about the process for those who defer payments.
“GovPay will benefit those who wish to pay immediately, but problems arise if the payment is delayed. We must consider the courts, potential delays, and the existing legal framework,” he added.
Beyond regulatory aspects, logistical challenges must also be addressed. Law enforcement agencies are examining the technical requirements for GovPay’s integration. Questions remain about whether additional equipment is necessary or if existing mobile devices will suffice.
“We are still assessing whether additional equipment will be needed, or if mobile phones alone can manage the process. Since these cases can go to court, we must ensure proper documentation and evidence handling,” Manatunga noted.
At present, the formalities surrounding traffic fines will remain unchanged. Offenders will still receive a ticket, serving as documented proof of the violation. Upon payment via GovPay, a digital receipt will confirm the transaction. However, law enforcement must determine how to manage cases where fines remain unpaid.
Concerns about increased violations
A major concern surrounding the digitisation of fine payments is the potential for increased traffic offences. Manatunga pointed out that in many countries, high fines deterred reckless driving. In Sri Lanka, however, fine amounts are relatively low.
As an example, he highlighted a scenario where affluent individuals may exploit the system to repeatedly violate speed limits, viewing fines as a minor inconvenience if instant fine payments were permissible.
“On highways, wealthy individuals may be willing to pay multiple fines just to reach their destination faster. If a driver wants to travel from Colombo to Anuradhapura in two hours, they might be stopped multiple times but they may simply pay the fines and continue speeding. This poses many hazards to pedestrians and motorists alike.
“This does not serve the intended purpose of traffic regulations. A potential solution is to limit the number of transactions a person can make in a 24-hour period to a maximum of two,” he explained.
“Another solution could be increasing fines to discouragingly high amounts or introducing a comprehensive demerit points system leading to licence suspension for repeat offenders,” he said. Although such a system was proposed last year, it remains unimplemented due to logistical challenges faced by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
“The demerit points system was considered, but the implementation fell into the hands of the DMT. If it were to be implemented, the DMT must provide the necessary equipment to read the chips on the driving licence and enact the necessary demerits. Perhaps the Government can try to come up with alternative mechanisms to circumvent this issue,” he said.
GovPay process
Coordinating Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Sumudu Rathnayaka elaborated on the integration process, comparing it to the already digitised systems of over 60 Government institutions.
“Once implemented, the public will be able to make payments via their internet banking platforms, with GovPay as an option. Upon selecting GovPay, users will be redirected to the necessary payment portal. There are over 20 different types of Police fines and users will be able to choose the one relevant to their violation,” Rathnayaka explained.
Detailing how the settlement process would mirror existing procedures, he said: “Currently, individuals must visit a post office to pay fines, with a portion of the amount allocated to the post office as commission, while the remainder goes to the Police. The digital system will replicate this, ensuring that funds are directly transferred to the designated Police account,” he said.
Concerns about bribery and fraudulent payments have also been raised. However, Rathnayaka dismissed these fears, asserting that the official GovPay platform ensured secure transactions with funds credited directly to Police accounts, removing opportunities for unauthorised cash handling.
“Since payments are processed digitally and recorded in the system, there is no room for bribery. The risk of fraudulent transactions is minimised,” he asserted.
While digital payments offer convenience, Manatunga agreed that the traditional system, requiring visits to a post office and Police station, often acted as a deterrent against violations. Accordingly, the question remains whether making payments too convenient will inadvertently encourage more reckless driving.
Rathnayaka acknowledged the concern but reassured that additional measures would be implemented to curb repeat offences, reiterating Manatunga’s views on the demerit points system.
“A demerit points system is being developed alongside this initiative. When drivers accumulate a certain number of demerit points, their licences will be suspended or cancelled, serving as a deterrent. However, this requires further action from the DMT for full implementation,” he noted.
While the technical infrastructure for GovPay’s integration is already in place, full implementation depends on operational factors. The initiative is being developed under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative and involves multiple stakeholders, including the DMT, Police, and the Ministry of Digital Economy.
A private company has been awarded the contract to develop the system, with ongoing discussions to align the project with the Government’s digital economy blueprint.
“From a technical standpoint, implementation for the payment of traffic fines via GovPay can be completed within six months. However, operational challenges, such as procuring necessary devices for Police officers, need to be addressed.
“Since this initiative is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, logistical factors must also be considered. Therefore, it is not possible to set a timeline for full implementation right now,” Rathnayaka explained.
The integration of traffic fine payments into GovPay marks a crucial step in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey. While the system promises convenience and efficiency, concerns regarding increased traffic offences, regulatory hurdles, and technological requirements must be addressed before full-scale implementation.
Creating a culture of responsible driving
Additional Secretary to the President for the Clean Sri Lanka project Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara explained the rationale behind the reforms: “Our primary concern is road safety. With an alarming number of fatalities and permanent disabilities from accidents, we must implement effective measures to deter traffic violations.”
He emphasised that while digital payments improved efficiency, the accompanying demerit system served as the true deterrent. “When drivers know that repeated offences will cost them their licences, they will think twice before breaking rules,” he stated.
The demerit points system will deduct points for each violation, with licence suspension awaiting habitual offenders. The programme will utilise the new chip-embedded driving licences, although the Police may require upgraded equipment for full implementation.
While acknowledging concerns that convenient payments might encourage violations among those who could easily afford fines, Sugeeshwara assured that the demerit system addressed this loophole: “The financial penalty alone isn’t enough; it’s the cumulative consequences that will change driver behaviour.”
Authorities are finalising technical details before rolling out the system nationwide, with pilot testing expected in urban areas first. The initiative represents Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive effort yet to combine modern enforcement technology with stricter penalties, aiming to significantly improve the country’s road safety record.
Sugeeshwara noted: “This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about creating a culture of responsible driving through consistent, transparent enforcement.”
Digital licences and demerit system
Sri Lanka is set to revolutionise its traffic management system by integrating a demerit points scheme with its upcoming digital driving licence platform, creating a powerful deterrent against repeat traffic offenders.
DMT Commissioner Shiromi Jeewamala revealed that the new system would work in tandem with the existing GovPay traffic fine solution, marking a significant leap in the nation’s road safety efforts.
“The digital licence will function primarily through a mobile app, using the same biometric data as the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project,” Jeewamala explained, adding: “Police officers will be able to instantly verify licences by simply entering the driver’s NIC, passport, or licence number into their devices.”
The Commissioner further noted that while physical licences would remain available upon request, they would carry fewer security features as the digital version would become the primary credential.
Crucially, the system will incorporate a demerit points mechanism to track repeat traffic violations.
“We have already made the policy decision to implement a demerit system,” Jeewamala stated, adding: “While the Police needs to resolve some operational aspects, our digital infrastructure will be ready to support it when implemented.”
This addition will ensure that traffic fines via GovPay are not viewed as mere fees but as steps towards potential licence suspension for habitual offenders.
Authorities are currently finalising the technical implementation, with options ranging from specialised handheld devices to a Police mobile application. “If we can integrate everything into an app, officers might simply use their smartphones for verification,” Jeewamala said, adding that equipment procurement could take 7-8 months.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, aligning with the SLUDI project to create a seamless digital identity ecosystem. When fully operational, the integrated system will enable real-time tracking of violations, automated licence renewals, and more efficient enforcement.
“This goes beyond digitising documents,” Jeewamala emphasised. “We are building a smarter enforcement framework where dangerous driving behaviours carry escalating consequences, making our roads safer for everyone.”
The reforms are expected to be implemented in phases throughout 2025, potentially transforming Sri Lanka’s traffic culture through technology and accountability.