RMV delays worsen, system issues slow vehicle registrations

Thursday, 9 April 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Charumini de Silva

Motorists and vehicle importers are facing mounting delays in vehicle registrations amid operational disruptions at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), with industry stakeholders warning of growing inefficiencies despite strong demand following the reopening of imports.

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) said registration books, though already printed in many cases, remain pending at the Registration of Motor Vehicles Department (RMV), causing significant backlogs.

Motorists also complained of system breakdowns and slow processing, noting that officials have been difficult to contact.

“The officials aren’t even answering the phones. It’s causing a lot of inconvenience for the people,” they claimed.

Stakeholders warn that persistent administrative and system inefficiencies at the RMV risk undermining the sector’s recovery and frustrating consumers.

VIAL President Prasad Kulatunga said, at present, the one-day registration service takes about six to seven days.

“The one-day registration service, which typically takes around two days under current demand conditions, has now stretched to six to seven working days, delaying the issuance of registration books,” he told the Daily FT.

Although operations are continuing under a new Assistant Commissioner General following recent administrative changes, stakeholders said processing is moving at a markedly slower pace.

Kulatunga stressed that resolving operational bottlenecks will be critical to ensuring smoother vehicle registration processes as the market transitions to a more stable growth phase.

“We urge the Government, particularly the Transport Ministry, to intervene to improve capacity and efficiency at the RMV,” he added.

The delays come as the country’s vehicle market begins to stabilise following a surge after the lifting of import restrictions in February 2025. On average, just over 30,000 vehicles have been registered monthly since the policy shift.

Recent data indicate a gradual cooling in demand. Latest data released from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) show total vehicle imports dropped to $ 194 million in February, down from $ 224 million in January and $ 301 million in December 2025, signalling a continued moderation. Cumulative imports for the first two months of 2026 stood at $ 418 million.

According to JB Securities, vehicle imports declined after peaking late last year, with February registrations falling by 3,683 units compared to January.

The analysis also pointed to a sharp correction in personal vehicle imports, which fell by 32% month-on-month (MoM) in January, while overall imports declined to $ 236.4 million from December highs.

Registration trends mirror the slowdown, with total vehicle registrations declining to 51,682 units in February from 55,365 in January. Motor car registrations also dipped to 4,163 units, down from 4,648 the previous month.

As per the data, market activity remains heavily concentrated in small-engine vehicles, particularly in passenger cars and SUVs, reflecting a continued shift towards compact models and crossovers.