A proposal has been made to amend the driving licence provided for drivers engaged in passenger transportation services.

State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services, Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama said a new licence will be introduced for this purpose.

He told reporters that under the proposal, drivers with heavy vehicle licences will not be permitted to drive for passenger transport services.

Amunugama said measures are being taken to introduce a new programme to grant driving licences for drivers engaged in passenger transport services.

He said drivers will be subjected for training under the Sri Lanka Transport Board or Security Services and will require to be certified under the two institutions to receive the new licence.

All drivers engaging in passenger transport services will be required to undergo the mandatory two- week training, as per the proposal.

The State Minister said the proposal was being made after taking into consideration the number of accidents involving passenger transportation services on a daily basis in the country.