Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday, 30 April 2026 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), together with the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) and the Sri Lanka Police, has introduced the country’s first digital motor insurance card, marking a shift towards real-time verification and paperless enforcement.
The issuance of digital motor insurance cards comes into effect from 1 May.
The system enables motorists and law enforcement officers to verify insurance coverage instantly through digital channels. Verification can be carried out via call centres by dialling 1338, through SMS to 1338, or via the USSD service *1338#, allowing immediate validation of policy status.
Officials said the platform allows law enforcement to access insurance data in real time, replacing the need for physical plastic cards and improving the speed and accuracy of roadside checks. The move also reduces reliance on printed materials, aligning with broader efforts to digitise public services.
Policyholders have been advised to contact their respective insurance providers for further information on accessing and using the system.
The rollout comes as the industry moves to tighten credit practices in motor insurance. The current practice of extending credit of between 30 and 90 days will be scaled back, with the credit period reduced to 30 days from 1 May before being phased out.
The shift is part of a move towards a cash-before-cover model, which is standard in more developed markets, and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline and operational standards within the industry while advancing digitalisation.
