Sunil Kumara Gamage elected President of Sri Lanka-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 03:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage (left) with Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has been elected President of the Sri Lanka-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.

The revival meeting of the Association was held last Thursday (7) at Parliament under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh attended the event as the Guest of Honour. MP Hector Appuhamy was elected the Secretary of the Association.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Dr. Wickramaratne highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Italy, which dates back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in May 1952. He noted that over the years, this relationship has evolved into a strong partnership covering political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people dimensions. He emphasised that the revival of the Friendship Association reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to promoting democratic values and fostering meaningful engagement between the two legislatures.

Ambassador Francovigh congratulated the newly elected office bearers and expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by MPs in engaging with the Friendship Association. He also read out a congratulatory message from the President of the Italy-South Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Union. The Ambassador further noted that the collaboration between Italy and Sri Lanka spans a diverse range of sectors, all contributing to mutual growth, and emphasised that this renewed cooperation lays a solid foundation for a promising future together.

In his remarks, Gamage expressed his gratitude to the members for electing him and noted that the Association would serve as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. He also invited members to actively participate in the initiatives of the Association to ensure the success of its objectives.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Appuhamy expressed his commitment to work collaboratively to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy.

Prior to the meeting, the Italian Ambassador met with the Speaker of the House to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Italy. During the meeting, both parties focused on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people connections. The Ambassador also informed the Speaker about the upcoming visit of the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka in September, noting that this visit is expected to pave the way for further initiatives to deepen bilateral ties.

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