SL to safeguard Lankans in Italy as COVID cases rise

The Foreign Relations Ministry in coordination with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome and the Consulate General Office in Milan has taken action to closely monitor and coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans residing in Italy, following the recent rise of COVID-19 cases in that country, the Foreign Ministry said in a Media release yesterday.

It said the Ministry had taken steps particularly in the Lombardy Region of Italy. The Statement said: According to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome and the Sri Lanka Consulate General Office in Milan, presently no Sri Lankan had fallen victim to the virus.

“More than 104,000 Sri Lankans reside in Italy of which about 60 per cent are in the Lombardy region. The Missions are presently communicating with the health authorities in these regions and are in contact with Sri Lankan Temples, community leaders and all others concerned,” it said.

Sri Lankans visiting Italy, in particular, the northern Italy are requested to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions in line with rules, regulations and safety measures issued by the local authorities for the contaminant of the virus, it said.

Hotlines operated by the Embassy and Consulate are currently functional on a round-the-clock basis and a Help Desk is also operational in order to respond to the needs of the Sri Lankan community in Italy.

The Hotlines are:

Embassy General Lines: (0039)-06-884-0801, (0039)-06-885-4560 Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome:

Mr Sisira Senavirathne , Charge d’affaires, (0039)3499351745 Ms Priya Nagarajah, Third Secretary, (0039) 3403581603

Ms Nimali Jayamaha, Management Assistant, (0039) 3483027997 Consulate General Lines: (0039)2495365530, (0039)245395621

Sri Lanka Consulate General in Milan: Ms Sandamalee Dissanayake, Attaché (0039) 3888016268 Ms Chathurika Roshani, Management Assistant (0039)3887249016