Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Saturday, 21 February 2026 00:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development has approved two Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued under the Motor Traffic Act (Chapter 203) when it met in Parliament on 17 February 2026.
According to the Parliament Secretariat, approval was granted for the Regulations relating to the revision of fees for driving licences published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2463/04 and for the Regulations relating to the extension of the validity period of driving licences published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2467/52
The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Minister Bimal Rathnayake, with Deputy Ministers (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena and Eranga Gunasekara also in attendance.
During the meeting, reports of two Sub-Committees appointed to identify solutions to issues in the transport sector were presented to the Committee.
The Sub-Committee established to ensure the professional security of workers engaged in the informal transport sector, chaired by Deputy Minister H.M. Dinindu Saman Hennayake, recommended that Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) contributions be provided for private bus drivers and conductors, three-wheeler drivers, and those engaged in the transport sector through electronic platforms, including app-based workers
A second Sub-Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, presented its report on formulating business models for the creation of additional services linked to the transport industry.
The Chair of the Consultative Committee stated that attention would be given to examining the reports and implementing their recommendations
Members of Parliament also drew attention to shortcomings in transport services and road development projects in various parts of the country. Deputy Ministers and Members representing both the Government and the Opposition participated in the meeting.
At present, ride-hailing platforms treat drivers and riders as self-employed individuals, thereby excluding them from mandatory employer-based social security contributions.
Under existing law in Sri Lanka, EPF and ETF contributions are compulsory for private and semi-Government sector employees. Employers are required to contribute 12% of an employee’s monthly earnings to EPF and 3% to ETF, while employees contribute 8% to EPF, deducted from salary, amounting to a combined 23% monthly contribution. The EPF is administered by the Central Bank.
