Sri Lanka and Italy held their first Political Consultations in Colombo today. The talks were co-chaired by Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra and Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi.
Before the meeting, the two sides signed an MoU to create a formal framework for dialogue. The discussions covered trade, investment, tourism, defence, energy, food security, culture, education, and labour mobility. Both countries agreed to speed up key agreements, including a Migration and Mobility Partnership and the renewal of the driving licence recognition pact.
Tripodi also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. She praised the role of Sri Lankan workers in Italy, the 12th largest non-EU migrant community, and promised support to ease labour mobility.
This is 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.
