Disciplinary action against police officers who refused to accept digital vehicle insurance, claiming they were unaware.

Deputy Inspector General of Police W. P. stated that strict disciplinary action would be taken against police officers who inconvenience drivers by disregarding the guidelines issued by the Inspector General of Police regarding digital insurance cards.

J. Senadheera said. Speaking at a press conference, he pointed out that information has been reported that several officers at Padukka and Gampaha police stations refused to accept digital insurance cards.

The Inspector General of Police has already issued instructions to all police stations through message R.T.M. 93, issued on May 05, 2026, stating that digital insurance cards issued by 14 insurance companies approved by the Insurance Regulatory Commission must be officially accepted. The Deputy Inspector General also stated that these digital insurance cards receive full legal recognition in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006.

Even if a driver does not physically possess the relevant digital card, facilities have been provided for police officers to confirm whether the insurance coverage is active. Accordingly, by entering the vehicle number or insurance number, relevant information can be obtained through the *1338# service, by sending an SMS message to 1338, or by calling the 1338 hotline.

If a police officer refuses to accept a digital insurance card for any reason, the public has been given the opportunity to complain to the nearest police station OIC or to the Traffic Headquarters special telephone number 070 47 55 600.

Steps have been taken to re-educate all officers through the OICs of all 607 police stations across the island, and the main objective is to further enhance officers' awareness, prevent unnecessary harassment to drivers, and ensure the proper implementation of the relevant procedure.