Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, has stated that causing inconveniences to vehicle drivers by violating the instructions and guidelines issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the inspection of Digital Insurance Cards, constitutes a serious dereliction of duty.

Speaking at a media briefing today (03), the DIG said several police officers attached to the Padukka and Gampaha Police Stations had reportedly caused inconveniences to the public by refusing to accept Digital Insurance Cards.

Accordingly, through the message issued on May 05, 2026, under the RTM 93 Act (Road Traffic Administration / Road Traffic Management regulations), the IGP has informed all police stations islandwide to officially accept the Digital Insurance Cards issued by 14 leading insurance companies in the country that have been approved by the Insurance Regulatory Commission. 

DIG Senadheera also noted that Digital Insurance Cards have full legal recognition under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006.

He further explained that even if a driver does not possess a Digital Insurance Card, police officers can verify whether the vehicle has valid insurance coverage through several toll-free methods.

Drivers can dial *1338# and enter the insurance policy number or vehicle registration number to obtain the relevant information instantly. They can also send an SMS to '1338' or contact the 1338 hotline's call centre.

Accordingly, the following methods can be used:

Dialing *1338# and entering the insurance number or vehicle number to obtain relevant information instantly

Sending an SMS to ‘ 1338 ’

Calling the ‘ 1338 ’ hotline call center

Meanwhile, steps have been taken to re-educate and raise awareness among lower-ranking police officers through the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of all 607 police stations across the island.

The public has been requested to lodge complaints with the OIC of the nearest police station or contact the Traffic Headquarters special hotline on ‘ 070 475 5600 ’ if any police officer refuses to accept a Digital Insurance Card.

DIG W.P.J. Senadheera stressed that strict disciplinary action will be taken against officers who fail to comply with the relevant instructions.