The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, the Motor Traffic Department in Italy and Sri Lankan Motor Traffic authorities renewed the Bilateral Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Driving Licenses between Italy and Sri Lanka.

The formal exchange of Notes took place on 14th December 2016 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome between Daya Pelpola, Ambassador and Ugo Astuto Principal Director for the Countries of Asia and Oceania. The Agreement will enter into force within the first quarter of 2017.

The Driving License Agreement facilitates for the conversion of valid Driving Licences of those who have obtained permanent residency in the respective counties. 

This is a mechanism which the Sri Lankan community in Italy was eagerly awaiting, given the advantage it would have for their job prospects and the possibility of future self-employment. So far over 11,000 Sri Lankans have benefited from this Agreement.