Furthering the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries, the Comune di Baranzate (Municipality) held celebrations to commemorate the 69th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence in the evening of 04th February 2017. The Mayor of Baranzate Luca Elia and the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Milan, Pradeepa Saram graced the occasion as special guests. Nearly 100 Sri Lankan expatriate community in Baranzate and its suburbs attended the event together with the Italian well-wishers.

Baranzate is a Comune in the Metropolitan city of Milan in the region of Lombardy. Foreigners residing in Baranzatre as of January 2016 were 3,775 and accounted for 31.9% of the resident population. The number of registered Sri Lankan community is 432 thus becoming the second largest foreign nationals in the Commune.

The event was organised in collaboration with The Comune di Baranzate, Intercultural Solidarity Network, La Rotonda, Onlus and Project “Nooneless”.

Speaking at the event Mayor of Baranzate extended their best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka and reiterated the commitment of the Comune for the wellbeing of its residents including foreign nationals. The Mayor Elia also acknowledged the tremendous contribution made by the Baranzate Sri Lankan community to the strengthening of the relations between Sri Lanka and Italy.

Addressing the gathering, the Consul General stated that Sri Lanka and Italy enjoy very cordial bilateral relations that are built on mutual respect, friendship, people to people contact, enhanced trade and investment relations, etc. She said this solemn event was a celebration of Sri Lankan identity and the rich ethno-religious diversity that all Sri Lankans share.

“Today as we celebrate our Independence Day, I am pleased to recall that this auspicious occasion coincides with the 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Italy”. she further said.

Since opening last year, The Consulate in Milan is marking its presence robustly with the seven regions that fall under its purview; Lombardy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Piedmont, Trentino Alto Adige, Valle d’ Aosta and Veneto. The Independence Day celebrations organized by the Comune di Baranzate is a testimony to its efforts.

Press Release from the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Milan