Italy, a friend in need - Ambassador Warnakulasuriya

The Italy Foreign Ministry hosted a lunch to felicitate Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy Hemantha Warnakulasuriya. Excerpts of the speech made by Ambassador Warnakulasuriya:

"Even though I am the 15th Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy, as far back as the 12th century AD an important Minister of Sri Lanka had presented his credentials to Emperor Vespasian, and thereafter to Emperor Nero.

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy Hemantha Warnakulasuriya was felicitated by the Italy Foreign Ministry. Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Stefania Craxi hosted the felicitation lunch which was attended by high ranking officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and ESCAP Group Ambassadors.

"These historical events were recorded by the famous historian Pliny. Though many believed this was a figment of his imagination, it was later proved to be correct when, during the archaeological excavations in Sri Lanka, Roman coins dating back to Emperor Vespasian and Nero were found.

"Italy was the first country to come in support of Sri Lanka when the tsunami struck the country. Our authorities still remember how the Italian planes were the first to come to Sri Lanka soon after the disaster, landing on a tarmac which was completely destroyed by the tsunami. Thereafter, recently, when the floods affected Sri Lanka, the Italian Government, under the leadership of Craxi and with the valuable guidance of Ambassador Andrea Perugini, Director of the Asia Desk, was able to immediately dispatch a plane load of goods which could be used and re-used in the future. The Italian Government has always guided the Sri Lankan Government as a father figure, without telling the Government how to conduct the war against terrorism, but always supporting the Government's decisions and initiatives, whilst giving primary importance to the issue of human rights.

"The Government of Sri Lanka still remembers with gratitude the constant support extended to us by the Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Franco Frattini during the GSP+ discussions, when, after understanding the negative impact that the temporary withdrawal would've had on the country's women and children, Frattini promised he would convey Sri Lanka's position to the other EU member countries.

"We are pleased that the bilateral agreement for the reciprocal recognition of driving licences will soon be concluded, and that a cultural agreement has been signed.

"A labour agreement is also currently being under discussion, and I hope these agreements will soon become a reality.

"In particular, Sri Lanka appreciates Craxi's keen interest in developing and strengthening the ties between the two countries in the tourism and investments sector.

"Due to years of civilization and culture, Italy has become one of the most tolerant nations in the world. There is absolute no prejudice towards one's ethnicity, colour or race, and the Sri Lankan migrant workers have been able to integrate completely with Italian society. It is indeed the friendliest country of Sri Lanka within the European Union.

"It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me and for President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who appointed me, for me to have been selected as the first Sri Lankan Ambassador to be hosted to a farewell lunch of the Foreign Ministry.

"The Deputy Minister emphasized the pivotal role played by the ambassador to strengthen relations between the two countries.

"Italy had become the foremost European Union country to support Sri Lanka.

"This was further epitomized by the fact that the Italian government, despite of the economic meltdown, in response to Ambassador Warnakulasuriya's appeal sent a plane load of goods worth millions of Rupees to help people affected by the floods in Sri Lanka."