Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has clarified that Sri Lankan citizens living overseas can use their existing Sri Lankan driving licences when returning to the country, without obtaining additional permits or paying unnecessary fees.
Addressing Parliament, the Minister said Sri Lankans who already hold a valid driving licence issued in Sri Lanka can legally drive vehicles during their visits to the country.
He also explained the procedure for Sri Lankans who have surrendered their local driving licences to foreign authorities in exchange for licences issued by those countries.
According to the Minister, such individuals can obtain a Sri Lankan driving licence upon returning to the country by submitting the relevant documents to the authorities.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankans who have lost their local driving licences while living overseas can apply for replacements through the standard procedure, including submitting a police complaint.
The Minister said these arrangements apply to Sri Lankan citizens returning from any country, including Finland and Kuwait.
He emphasised that Sri Lankan citizens are entitled to access driving licence services under their existing citizenship rights without making unnecessary additional payments.
The clarification was made in Parliament in response to concerns over the procedures applicable to Sri Lankan citizens living overseas. (Newswire)