New Italian Ambassador Mr.
Damiano Francovigh has expressed his consent to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardenas request to look into matters urgently to introduce Colombo as a direct air and shipping destination with the aim of developing tourism between Italy and Sri Lanka.A meeting between Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Italian Ambassador Damiano Francovigh had taken place on Monday (27) at the Prime Ministers Office in Parliament, the PMs Media Division said.Discussions were held regarding further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.On response to the Prime Ministers request, the Ambassador said that a delegation of the Italian Trade Agencies will be sent for a discussion with the private sector of Sri Lanka in order to establish trade relationships between Sri Lanka and Italy, it added.The Prime Minister pointed out the delays in the issuance of visas in the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the new Italian Ambassador said that his attention has already been focused on it, and he said that the delay will be minimised in the next few weeks.The Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and Italian Deputy Ambassador joined the discussion, according to the Prime Ministers Media Division.