Sri Lanka Introduces Digital Motor Insurance Cards; Police Warn Officers Against Rejection

Sri Lanka is officially transitioning to digital motor insurance cards, replacing traditional paper certificates for all vehicles starting May 1st, 2026. This new system, a joint initiative by the Insurance Regulatory Commission and industry stakeholders, includes a National Insurance Verification System accessible via USSD code *1338#. The Inspector General of Police has issued directives to all police stations to accept these digital cards. Authorities have warned that any police officer rejecting valid digital insurance cards will be deemed to have committed a serious dereliction of duty and could face disciplinary action, following reports of public inconvenience.