Sri Lanka, Aug. 20 -- The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, has issued 1,338 driving licenses to foreign nationals as of August 20. The counter, opened on August 3, was introduced to make it easier for visitors to obtain licenses, avoiding the need to travel to the DMT office in Werahera. The highest number of licenses was issued on August 7.

The National Tourist Drivers' Association has strongly opposed the move, arguing that issuing licenses to foreign nationals for as little as Rs. 2,000 threatens the livelihoods of professional tourist drivers. Association representative Amila Koralage said the initiative has caused significant injustice to those in the profession.

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