Sri Lanka, March 10 -- The official agreement to transfer the printing of vehicle number plates in the country to a new private company under a Rs. 3 billion project was signed today.

Speaking to the media, Commissioner General of Motor Transport Kamal Amarasinghe said that, five year contract was awarded following a lengthy procurement process with the approval of the Cabinet and the advice of the Attorney General.

"According to the agreement, the company is required to commence production within three months. However, considering the current demand, steps are being taken to begin operations within the next two months." he explained.

Amarasinghe noted that a large backlog has accumulated as the printing of number plates had been susp...