The Consulate General (CG) of Sri Lanka in Milan recently hosted a familiarisation visit for members of the Bocconi University Students’ Association of Diplomacy and International Cooperation.

The Foreign Ministry issued the following statement regarding the event: “The visit was intended to familiarise the young, international-minded students with the various aspects of the role of a diplomat and diplomatic institutions in the present context – particularly Sri Lanka’s diplomatic, cultural and economic presence in Italy. The Association consists of 45% foreign students with the rest being Italian students.

The visit commenced with a briefing by the Consul General of Sri Lanka introducing students to the Consulate and its objectives. This included an overview of the staff, their roles and the diverse activities carried out by the Consulate General to support Sri Lankan citizens in Northern Italy, promote bilateral ties and to facilitate trade and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and Italy.

Following the briefing, the students participated in an interactive Q & A session. This provided a platform for them to ask questions on several topics, including the evolution of the country’s diplomatic landscape to the present day, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy priorities and the Consulate’s efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka-Italy relations.

The Consulate General also prepared a brief presentation on Sri Lanka, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, economic landscape and tourist attractions providing the students with a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s unique identity. Furthering their experience, the students were treated to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. They were served with traditional delicacies – hoppers and kottu roti along with Ceylon tea and a variety of Sri Lankan cold beverages with jaggery and Sri Lankan cookies. Moreover, to signify Sri Lanka’s hospitality and also as a token of appreciation each student was offered a giveaway aimed at creating a memorable impression of Sri Lanka and establishing a sense of connection with the country.”