Bilateral deal with Italy:

Mutual recognition of driving licenses

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The government is planning to enter into an agreement with Italy to recognise the Sri Lankan driving licence in Italy to facilitate Sri Lankans numbering 75,000 to obtain employment opportunities in Italy. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday that the Cabinet approved to enter into a bilateral agreement with Italy for the mutual recognition of driving licences on a proposal made by Transport Minister Kumara Welgama. Minister Rambukwella made this observation at a press briefing at the Information Department yesterday.

The proposed agreement will facilitate Sri Lankans to obtain a valid licence to drive in Italy without having to undergo the normal Italian theoretical and practical tests. There are about 75,000 Sri Lankans living in Italy employed in various fields and the nature of some of their work, needs to drive vehicles. This would further facilitate for Sri Lankans to obtain employment opportunities in Italy.