President in surprise visit to RMV

Ruvanthi KARIYAWASAM

NARAHENPITA: President Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday issued instructions for the speedy computerisation of all Departments under the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to expedite the monthly issue of at least 60,000 drivers' licences.

The President issued these instructions during a surprise visit to the Motor Traffic Department at Narahenpita yesterday.

The President expressed the view that with the speedy computerisation of all data at the RMV, the large volume of correspondence and documents which have been piled up at the RMV could be handed over to owners of the vehicles.

The President called for the expeditious completion of the building in the 11 acre land belonging to the Motor Traffic Department at Werahera so that the Department could overcome the problem regarding space.

Referring to the decision taken by the Government to set up Day Care centres, libraries and workers rest rooms at all State institutions, the President issued instructions that all such facilities should be set up at the Werahera Centre as well.

The President's visit is in keeping with his decision to make unannounced visits to all State institutions to obtain a first hand knowledge of their operations and rectify all shortcomings so that the public would receive optimum service.

The President who also mixed with the public who had come to attend to their needs at the RMV inquired about their problems and difficulties.

To a query by the President as to why there was such massive congestion opposite the RMV premises, officials said they receive as much as 40,000 applications for driving licences every month. However with the delay in computerisation they are able to process only 25,000 applications.

They said the delay by private firms who have been contracted to print driving licences has often resulted in delays in the issues of driving licences by three to four months. The President instructed the officials to call for fresh tenders so that driving licences could be issued expeditiously.