Driving in Sri Lanka gets smarter

02 January 2007

Sri Lanka’s Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is to introduce a new driving licence system using smart card and biometric technologies later this year.

The project will be rolled out by biometrics firm Face Technologies, which has formed a joint venture to handle the project with Austria Card as the technology partner and Metropolitan Group as its local partner.

The DMT will additionally implement a driving licence management system to streamline the personalisation, production and issuance of the new credentials. Each applicant’s photograph, digital signature and fingerprints will be captured when the application is submitted. The licence will then be processed, personalised and posted to the applicant within two weeks. The DMT also plans to introduce a priority same-day-delivery service.

The new smart card-format driving licence will include a microchip containing driver information such as digital photograph, fingerprint and digital signature. It could also contain additional emergency information, including the driver’s blood group and medical information. The card will use security printing features such as laser engraving, optically variable ink, holograms, guilloches and micro printing.

The entire project is being implemented on a build, operate and transfer basis. The supply contract includes all application software, computer infrastructure, servers, networking and work stations, as well as support and maintenance and operational services for seven years.

The driving license could also be extended to include integration with the country’s national ID card and the ePassport, as is being planned in other countries.