Embassy in Rome promotes export and investment opportunities at Sri Lanka Expo 2027

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome hosted a promotional event on “Sri Lanka Expo 2027” under the theme “Exploring Partnerships for a Prosperous Tomorrow” on 5 October 2026 at Circolo degli Esteri, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Club in Rome. The event brought together representatives of the Italian Government, chambers of commerce, the diplomatic corps, and Italian and Sri Lankan business communities in Italy.

The event was organised to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to be held from 14 to 17 January 2027 in Colombo, and to raise awareness among Italian stakeholders of Sri Lanka’s export capabilities, investment opportunities and potential for economic and commercial partnerships.

The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by welcome remarks by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy, Satya Rodrigo, who is also accredited to Cyprus, Greece, Malta and San Marino, and the screening of a video on Sri Lanka Expo 2027. 

The Ambassador recalled that commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Italy date back nearly two thousand years, when envoys from Sri Lanka reached the court of Emperor Claudius and Sri Lankan gems, pearls and spices were traded in Roman markets along the maritime Silk Road. He noted that Sri Lanka Expo 2027 builds on this tradition of trade and exchange and highlighted the presence of Italian companies such as Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Perfetti and Banca UBAE in Sri Lanka. He encouraged Italian businesses to further expand their engagement with Sri Lanka.

In a video message, the Deputy Minister of Industries of Sri Lanka, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, emphasised Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen its industrial and entrepreneurial sectors and encouraged greater engagement between Sri Lankan and Italian businesses.

The Deputy Director General for Trade and Investment Promotion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Fabrizio Lobasso, highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations. He noted the strategic maritime locations of both countries, with Italy serving as a gateway to the Mediterranean and Sri Lanka to the Indian Ocean, and emphasised the mutual benefits of increased trade and investment.

Remarks were also delivered by the Head of Internationalization at Unioncamere (the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce), Prof. Pietro Infante, reflecting the interest of Italian business institutions in strengthening engagement with Sri Lanka.

A key feature of the event was a virtual presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe. The presentation outlined the upcoming Expo and opportunities for international businesses to engage with Sri Lankan exporters and explore partnerships across various sectors. The Chairman invited Italian businesses to participate in the Expo through business delegations.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion and interactive question-and-answer session moderated by the President of the Sri Lanka Association in Italy and Senior Product Manager at Retelit S.p.A., Rande Sarada Goonatilleke. The panel included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy, Satya Rodrigo; CNA World Honorary President, the foreign entrepreneurs’ network of Italy’s National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises, Indra Perera; and the Commercial and Partnership Director of Distal GSA Italia, Claudio Novembrini. The EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, and the Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, Tharaka Botheju, joined virtually.

The discussion focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–Italy trade and investment relations, promoting Sri Lankan products and services in the Italian market, and facilitating business partnerships. 

During the session, Indra Perera shared his experience in bilateral trade and highlighted investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Claudio Novembrini explained the discounted airfares offered by SriLankan Airlines to facilitate participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027. 

The Ambassador referred to the Calzedonia Group as an example of successful Italian investment in Sri Lanka, noting its presence in the country for over 25 years and its contribution to apparel exports and employment.

Participants sought information on investment opportunities in the food and beverage and hospitality sectors, facilities available at Sri Lanka Expo 2027, and potential partnership agreements.

The event was attended by representatives of around 30 businesses, along with Italian trade and business institutions, travel and tour operators, diplomatic missions and members of the Sri Lankan business community in Italy. A reception following the programme provided opportunities for networking and discussions on potential areas of cooperation.

The event was organised with the support of Italian Government institutions, chambers of commerce, business representatives and other partners.

The Sri Lanka Expo 2027 promotional event in Rome contributed to raising awareness of Sri Lankan products, services and investment opportunities in Italy and facilitating closer commercial partnerships between the two countries.