Italy in Colombo

Il 2 giugno è la Festa della Repubblica italiana 🇮🇹

Il 2 giugno del 1946 gli italiani furono chiamati a votare al referendum che avrebbe determinato la forma istituzionale del paese e scelsero di dar vita alla Repubblica italiana, che oggi compie 80 anni.

Buona a tutti gli italiani presenti in Sri Lanka!

H.E. Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, recently recorded a special message on the occasion of the National Day of the Italian Republic.

The message will be broadcast on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on 2 June at 8.55 p.m., just before the English News bulletin.

As Italy celebrates Festa della Repubblica, the Embassy is pleased to share this moment with audiences across Sri Lanka, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and close ties between our two countries. 🇮🇹🇱🇰

🇮🇹 Last Friday marked the conclusion of the visit to Colombo by the Italian offshore patrol vessel .

The vessel departed from Italy on early May, crossing the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal before reaching the -Pacific region, where it will take part in a series of operational, training, and diplomatic activities.

During the port call in Colombo, Ambassador Francovigh welcomed the crew and participated to a meeting with the and the . The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase the technological and operational capabilities of the Italian Navy to local counterparts, while also highlighting Italy’s commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

The deployment forms part of Italy’s growing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting the country’s interest in international law and freedom of navigation.

Did you know? The patrol vessel is named after the Renaissance military leader Giovanni de’ Medici. The origin of the epithet “Bande Nere” dates back to 1521, when, following the death of his uncle Pope Leo X, Giovanni de’ Medici ordered the insignia of his company to be blackened as a sign of mourning, becoming known in history as Giovanni delle Bande Nere.

On Monday, 11th May, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy of Sri Lanka Alberto Arcidiacono took part in a roundtable organized by the Regional Centre for Strategic and Maritime Studies (RCSM), with the support of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The discussion focused on the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region and was chaired by Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific.

The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow EU Embassies, Sri Lankan institutional representatives, academics, and experts in maritime and strategic affairs.
During the roundtable, EU Special Envoy Fernandez reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law and highlighted the need to further strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Sri Lanka in addressing shared regional and global challenges.

The Embassy of Italy was pleased to contribute to this timely exchange, reaffirming its commitment to support peaceful dialogue, maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. 🇮🇹🇱🇰

Un caloroso benvenuto alla nostra nuova tirocinante MAECI-MUR-CRUI, Vittoria Cleva, laureanda in Giurisprudenza presso l'Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi (Università Bocconi), che da ieri si è unita alla nostra squadra.

Nei prossimi tre mesi, Vittoria sarà coinvolta in diversi ambiti di attività della nostra Ambasciata, dall’organizzazione di eventi alla promozione del Made in Italy in Sri Lanka e nelle Maldive.

Le rivolgiamo i nostri migliori auguri per una permanenza ricca di soddisfazioni e crescita professionale. Buon lavoro!

කොළඹට සාදරයෙන් පිළිගනිමු / கொழும்பிற்கு வரவேற்கிண்றோம் 🇱🇰🇲🇻 ކޮލަމްބޯއަށް މަރުހަބ

🇪🇺🇮🇹
. Giornata dell'Europa. Oggi celebriamo il traguardo storico nato dalla dichiarazione Schuman nel 1950. Trasformare i conflitti in cooperazione ci ha regalato il più lungo periodo di pace della nostra storia. Onoriamo il passato, costruiamo il futuro.

​May 9th. .
Today we celebrate the historic milestone born from Schuman Declaration of 1950. Turning conflict into cooperation has granted us the longest period of peace in our history. Honoring the past, building the future.

Ambassador Damiano Francovigh recently participated as the chief guest at the seminar "Present Geopolitical Tensions: Navigating their Impacts on Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery in 2026", held on April 02nd at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo.

Organised by the Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the seminar moderated by the CEO of Advocata Dhananath Fernando, convened a distinguished panel of experts including MD of Brandix Lanka Hasitha Premaratne, Founder/CEO Shippers’ Academy Colombo Rohan Masakorale and Partner of Acorn Group Harith Perera.

The discussion explored the evolving global geopolitical landscape and its direct and indirect implications for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery — from shifting trade dynamics and supply chain realignments to investor confidence, regional partnerships and policy responsiveness.

The Embassy of Italy was pleased to contribute to this timely exchange, reaffirming its continued engagement with Sri Lanka’s business and policy community. 🇱🇰🇮🇹

On May 1st, Italy observes Festa del Lavoro — a national day of unity and reflection, honouring those whose hands, hearts, and minds help shape our societies. Rooted in the global movement for the eight-hour workday, this day pays tribute to the dignity of labour and the ongoing pursuit of and .

In Rome, the iconic Concerto del Primo Maggio brings thousands together in celebration — where music, solidarity, and civic spirit echo across generations.

As Sri Lanka too celebrates the contributions of its workers, we extend our warmest wishes for a meaningful and peaceful — in honour of all who build, create, care, and inspire.

Nell’81° anniversario della Liberazione celebriamo il e i valori costituzionali che custodiscono la nostra democrazia. 🇮🇹