The first round of Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Italy concluded yesterday (Sep 4) in Colombo, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra and Italy’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi.
Prior to the discussions, the two Deputy Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultations Mechanism, providing a formal and structured framework for dialogue between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.
During the consultations, both sides identified areas for expanded cooperation in workforce mobility, trade, investment, tourism, defence, energy, food security, culture, and education. They also discussed the recent revival of the Italy–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association and explored ways to enhance inter-parliamentary collaboration.
Particular emphasis was placed on expediting the conclusion of pending bilateral instruments, including the Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility Partnership—aimed at ensuring safe and sustainable migration—and the renewal of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences.
Deputy Minister Tripodi also met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath for further discussions. The Sri Lankan side expressed appreciation for Italy’s continued support to Sri Lankan migrant workers, while Tripodi in turn commended the contribution of Sri Lankan professionals in Italy, who now form the country’s 12th largest non-EU migrant labour force.
She assured that she would personally engage with Italian authorities at the highest level to expedite the renewal of key bilateral agreements.
This marks the first high-level Italian visit to Colombo since 2016. Italy is Sri Lanka’s fifth-largest export market and an important source of investment and tourism.
