A focused discussion was held on Monday on the challenges Sri Lankan citizens face in using their driving licences overseas, especially in Italy and other European countries, under the framework of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe, Director General of the Europe Division Sugeeshwara Gunaratne, and senior officials from the Highways Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said key concerns, including issues arising from incompatible licence formats and varying recognition standards across countries, were reviewed during the discussion.
He further said that the discussion emphasized the need to modernize and digitize Sri Lanka’s licencing system, ensuring international compatibility and ease of verification.
“This collaborative effort marks a lucrative opportunity to enhance compliance, promote digital transformation, and remove practical barriers for our diaspora, especially migrant workers,” he said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra added that the government was committed to pursuing practical, technology-driven solutions that protect the rights of its citizens and reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment to global standards. (Newswire)