Around 678,000 driving licences are awaiting printing in Sri Lanka, according to information presented by Department of Motor Traffic officials to Parliament's Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.
Officials told the committee that the Department currently has capacity to print approximately 4,600 driving licences per day.
The Department expects two additional printing machines to be installed by October 15.
Officials said the additional equipment is expected to raise total daily printing capacity to approximately 8,200 licences.
The 678,000 figure refers to licences awaiting printing.
It does not mean that Sri Lanka has 678,000 people driving without licences.
The parliamentary committee also directed that a formal investigation be conducted into delays involving driving licences and vehicle number plates.
Officials were instructed to provide a comprehensive report within 45 days covering the origins of the delays, administrative and technical factors and relevant procurement and tender processes.
The committee also examined staff shortages, administrative efficiency and procurement delays affecting the Department.
No firm date by which the entire 678,000-licence backlog will be eliminated should be stated unless subsequently confirmed by the Department.