Sri Lanka Police have issued a strong warning to vehicle owners and tourism operators against renting or leasing vehicles to foreign tourists who do not possess valid driving licences. The warning follows several accidents involving unlicensed foreign drivers, including five fatalities reported in 2025.
Police Spokesman F.U. Wootler stated that safeguarding tourists is a core responsibility and statutory duty of the Police. He stressed that vehicle owners and rental operators must ensure drivers hold a valid driving licence, insurance, revenue licence, and emission test certificate, and that vehicles are mechanically sound before handing them over.
Investigations have revealed that some operators rented cars, three-wheelers, and motorcycles to foreign visitors without valid licences. In addition to the fatalities, authorities recorded seven serious accidents, 78 minor injuries, and six cases of vehicle damage last year linked to such violations.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving without a valid licence is a punishable offence. Police warned that if a foreign national drives without a licence, or if a minor is allowed to drive, both the driver and the vehicle owner will face legal action.
Special inspections and traffic operations have been launched in the Southern Province to ensure compliance. Service providers are required to verify that foreign drivers possess a valid International Driving Permit for the relevant vehicle category, a Sri Lankan driving permit issued by the Department of Motor Traffic, or a conversion certificate issued upon submission of a foreign driving licence.
Police also cautioned that forged or invalid licences are in circulation and urged operators to remain vigilant. Authorities warned that failure to comply with the law will result in prosecution, and both the driver and vehicle owner will be held accountable.
