Sri Lanka Police have issued a stern warning to vehicle owners and tour operators against renting or leasing vehicles to foreign tourists who do not possess valid driving licences, following a series of accidents involving unlicensed foreign drivers.
Police said five deaths linked to such drivers were reported in 2025 alone, along with seven serious accidents, 78 minor injuries, and six vehicle damage incidents.
Police Spokesperson F. U. Wootler said protecting tourists is both a primary responsibility and a statutory duty of the Police.
“Vehicle owners and rental operators must ensure that drivers have a valid driving licence, insurance, income certificate, emission test certificate, and that the vehicle is free of mechanical defects before allowing them to drive,” he said.
Investigations have revealed that some operators had rented out cars, three-wheelers, and motorcycles to foreign tourists without valid licences.
The spokesperson stressed that driving without a valid licence is a punishable offence, adding that both the driver and vehicle owner will face legal action if a foreigner drives without proper authorisation or if a minor is allowed to drive.
Special inspections and traffic operations have already been launched in the Southern Province Sri Lanka to ensure compliance.
Police also reminded service providers that foreign drivers must hold either:
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A valid international driving licence for the relevant vehicle category,
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A Sri Lankan driving licence issued by the Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka, or
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A foreign driving licence accompanied by an official translation certificate issued by the Department of Motor Traffic.
Wootler further warned that authorities have received information about fake and invalid licences in circulation, urging rental operators to remain vigilant and verify all documents carefully.
