The Governments of Sri Lanka and Italy have formally renewed the Bilateral Agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences, strengthening long-standing cooperation between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said the agreement was signed on Friday (12) in Rome. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy, Satya Rodrigo, signed on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government, while Maria Tripodi, Deputy Minister and Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, signed for the Italian Government.
The signing concludes negotiations between the Motor Traffic and Transport authorities of both countries to renew the agreement, which had expired in 2021. The agreement allows nationals of either country who have obtained permanent residency to convert their valid driving licences in the host country.
The Driving Licence Agreement was first signed between Sri Lanka and Italy in 2011 and was renewed in 2016 prior to its expiry in 2021. Under the renewed terms, nationals residing in the respective countries for up to six years will be eligible to convert their national driving licence without having to sit theoretical or practical examinations.
The facility has been warmly welcomed by the large Sri Lankan community living and working in Italy, as it enhances job mobility and employment opportunities, enabling them to contribute more effectively as a productive expatriate community.
The agreement will remain valid for five years. Once ratified by both governments, it will enter into force within 60 days, with an official announcement to be made by both sides upon implementation.
