November 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has green-lighted a plan enabling Sri Lankan nationals living in Italy to obtain locally recognised driving licences, marking a significant step towards improving services for the island nation’s overseas community.
The initiative was put forward yesterday (24) by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake. He confirmed that the proposal secured Cabinet backing immediately, reflecting what he described as a “clear and urgent need” voiced by expatriates.
Officials in Colombo will now notify the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Rome, paving the way for a formal agreement with the Italian authorities responsible for issuing driving permits. Government sources suggest that both sides are aiming to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding within the next couple of months, streamlining the administrative process and ensuring that applicants face fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
According to the Minister, the move follows years of appeals from Sri Lankans in Italy, many of whom have struggled with the complexities of securing valid documentation despite long-term residency. He added that the new arrangement is part of a broader effort to strengthen support services for citizens living abroad.
