Sri Lanka, May 16 -- The Department of Motor Traffic has announced that motorists who have recently registered their vehicles but have not yet received their permanent number plates will be permitted to use temporary ones.

This decision comes as the new vehicle registration process faces delays due to a shortage of official number plates.

In a letter addressed to new vehicle owners, the Department of Motor Traffic acknowledged the unavoidable delay in issuing permanent number plates.

Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe clarified that the shortage is a result of the expiration of the agreement with the previous number plate supplier, effective from April 30.

He further stated that the procurement process to find and appoint a new su...