STRENGTHENING SRI LANKA-ITALY RELATIONS THROUGH CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

By Arosh C. De Silva

Sri Lanka and the Italian Republic have maintained close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties since the establishment of formal relations in the early 1950s. Sri Lanka’s global engagement with Italy has seen much potential as a key partner on the path towards strong cooperation on the world stage. Yet within the relations, cultural diplomatic cooperation is yet to be fully mobilised as a tool of diplomacy. This articles endeavours to highlight the opportunities that exist. It highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy solidarity in Italy-Sri Lanka relations and offers insights into how cultural diplomacy can be further strengthened in bilateral relations.

A need for cultural solidarity

Dating back several centuries, Italy and Sri Lanka have maintained close political and trade links and have long enjoyed good relations, which have been characterised by close economic, political, social and cultural ties. Italy’s expanding diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagement with Sri Lanka has been highlighted through diplomatic visits and the signing of agreements that point to a strategic deepening of ties.

Among the most recent, the governments of Sri Lanka and Italy formally renewed the Bilateral Agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences, reaffirming cooperation between the two countries in December 2025. The Driving License Agreement further strengthens the bilateral relations and that facility has been highly welcomed by the large Sri Lankan diaspora living and working in Italy, as it has improved job prospects and future employment opportunities, allowing them to contribute more effectively as a productive expatriate community.

The visit of Italy’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, to Sri Lanka in September 2025, marked a significant strengthening in Sri Lanka’s evolving foreign relations with Italy. The visit included high-level discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and was aimed at bilateral cooperation across cultural, education, and economic (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Sri Lanka). A key highlight of the visit was the signing of ‘Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultations Mechanism’, marking a step towards strengthening bilateral ties and diplomatic engagement, at the beginning of what officials describe as a ‘new institutional chapter’ in bilateral relations (Lanka News Web, 2025).

With this background of bilateral relations, which addressed more collaborative mechanisms, the calls for strengthening cultural diplomacy remains a potential avenue for a further deepening of the longstanding ties. In today’s interdependent world system, there has been a growing recognition of the potential of Soft Power. This concept of Soft Power which was introduced by Joseph Nye, to describe the ability of one country to shape the attitudes of another (Nye, 2004), is widely used by countries in their relationships with foreign nations. Herein cultural diplomacy is often viewed as a strategic instrument for projecting a nation's identity and values on the global stage, thereby influencing how other countries perceive its foreign policy objectives.

For Milton C. Cummings, cultural diplomacy, was “the exchange of ideas, information, art, and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples in order to foster mutual understanding” (UNESCO, 2022). At its core, cultural diplomacy involves the exchange of ideas, art, language, music, cinema, fashion, architecture and other cultural aspects between nations to build bridges and enhance relationships and image abroad. It enables nations to influence global perceptions. In that context, how can Sri Lanka and Italy advance relations by using cultural diplomacy as an effective tool? To address this question, several ideas could be suggested to enhance bilateral relations.

Building bridges through language and education exchanges

For Italy, the cultural soft power promoted through cultural diplomacy has always been an important foreign policy instrument (Medici, 2019). Culture is an essential part of Italy’s identity, making its image abroad, as the Italian language represents a key principle of Italy’s foreign policy (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation). Such an area can be collaboratively strengthened further with Sri Lanka, to establish more meaningful and deeper bilateral relations.

Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage, beaches, wildlife and authentic experiences, was ranked among the top 10 destinations to travel to in 2025 by BBC Travel’s inaugural guide to the world’s top travel spots (Rizkiya, 2025). Sri Lanka has quietly captivated travellers for decades, and according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 43,948 tourists from Italy arrived in Sri Lanka up to November 2025, out of a total of 2,103,593 international tourists in 2025.

Italy is also home to a significant Sri Lankan expatriate community of which 102,906 Sri Lankans legally reside in Italy. They represent the 11th largest community of non-European citizenship (Report on the Sri Lankan Community in Italy, 2022). This highlights the need for strong partnership and collaboration in the spheres of linguistic and cultural exchange which have potential to deepen the dynamic and mutually rewarding relationship between two countries.

The ability to communicate in the Italian language is not only essential to the Sri Lankan diaspora in Italy, but it is important to communicate with Italians effectively, and to interact with Italians visiting Sri Lanka. Italy has the 8th largest economy in the world, and is ranked third among the European economic powers. For Sri Lanka, collaborating more with Italy is essential to achieve its tourism-oriented economy as well as for foreign revenue.

In the education sector, it is found that a significant number of migrants arrive in Italy with the purpose of higher studies. There are a number of scholarship programmes offered by the Italian government (Embassy of Italy in Colombo), and as a European Union member state, Italy funds the Erasmus scholarship programme, which underscores Italy’s cultural exchanges at the educational level. This strengthens a range of collaborations in intellectual exchange, in education. Such initiatives for the younger generation, while fostering international student exchanges at all levels between Italy and Sri Lanka, can be implemented as consistent long-term partnerships, sharing the two countries' deep understanding. The exchange of persons is an important basis for enhancing mutual understanding among different cultures and strengthening relationships with foreign countries.

Herein, education can become an asset and contribute to a country’s attractiveness. Providing financial assistance and scholarships in order to expand influence of culture and language improves the strong bond between bilateral relations and improve its image internationally. Therefore, expanding language educational networks supports Italy’s diplomacy and helps Sri Lanka too.

Application of cultural partnerships

In the cultural sphere, the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka promotes Italian culture through various collaborations, enhancing mutual understanding between Italy and Sri Lanka. Introducing Italian culture, cinema, and performances, as well as Italian cuisine, fashion, and architecture, to Sri Lanka, and introducing Sri Lanka's rich culture to Italy, is a clear mode of cultural exchange that can be collaboratively developed to foster a deep understanding of lifestyles and build deep trust. It could enhance tourism, support cultural policy initiatives and indirectly influence trade and education as well. The key is designing programmes that align with broader state objectives. Cultural diplomacy is not just about showcasing beauty. When applied thoughtfully, even the local batik tradition, Sanni and Kolam masks and traditional dancing can become instruments of national strategy.

Italian cinema, with its artistic emotional depth, has captivated audiences worldwide. Through their masterpieces, Italy has showcased its culture, history and society values. Thus, Italy’s cinematic productions not only entertain they also become tools of cultural diplomacy, creating bridges between Italy and the world. This has enhanced international relationships and understanding through the universal language of film.

Italy has a long history of rich culture and is one of the countries that has placed great importance on fostering its culture abroad. In the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index 2025, which evaluates all 193 member states of the United Nations (Jagodzinski, 2025) based on international influence through culture, business, and diplomacy, Italy maintains its strong position at 9th position out of 193 countries, indicating a consistent and powerful global influence.

With several medals including products and brands the world loves – ‘Culture & Heritage’, ‘Food the World Loves’, ‘Great Place to Visit’, and ‘Friendly’, Italy leads its rich culture in reshaping perceptions of its global standing. (Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index, 2025) which highlights Italy’s way of forward as a global influence in the context of soft power.

Italian cooking has been awarded special cultural heritage status by the United Nations' cultural agency, UNESCO (BBC, 2025). Italian cuisine is more than just food. It is a global cultural phenomenon, from pasta to pizza, it beautifully connects people, creating a shared sense of enjoyment. If the two countries start food exhibitions, leveraging Italian food culture in Sri Lanka, that would create more economic opportunities by embracing the Italian world heritage food culture among those who are enthusiastic on leveraging collaboration in cuisine.

When a country showcases its cultural heritage through exhibitions, performances, awareness programmes or educational programmes abroad, it can create a favourable image that can touch people’s emotions and values, shaping their perceptions of the country’s broader diplomatic intentions. The key to strengthening bilateral relations is addressing the lack of an Italian cultural institute in Sri Lanka and establishing a cultural centre that promotes collaborative projects and events, which could significantly benefit both countries and lead to more economic opportunities and a better understanding of diplomatic objectives.

Strengthening the digital platform and dialogues

In this globalised 21st century, the presence of digital platforms and media are essential for the promotion of culture, leveraging diplomatic networks among the international community. It is important to mention that with digital platforms there is capacity to reach a wider audience and achieve consistent and long-term outcomes. For example, the Sri Lankan diaspora in Italy, contributes to Italian society while maintaining good cultural links with their homeland, Sri Lanka. Through social media, many Sri Lankans share creative ideas and Italian culture with Sri Lankan society, promoting Italian content in an effective framework. Moreover, the promotion of dialogue between Italy and Sri Lanka, and promoting research on Italy and Sri Lanka’s politics, foreign policy, economy, culture, and society, deepens understanding about the two countries. Such measures are also important in developing collaborative initiatives, which open more opportunities for both countries. It contributes to the development of a positive attitude towards the country and to a broader application of the soft power in the present stage. Creating friendly networks that help bridge diverse and open new pathways toward cooperation.

Conclusion

Soft power can be very useful for a country, as it can achieve its goals simply because others admire and are influenced by it. This is the reason why, in the context of soft power, cultural diplomacy is very important. As a developing country, Sri Lanka has more measures that are required and much greater effort to achieve the economic progress of Italy, but these two countries are culturally diverse and have been diplomatically cordial towards each other since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Thus, soft power needs to be leveraged for the advancement of both countries’ ties.

Cultural diplomacy represents a tool in strengthening Sri Lanka-Italy bilateral relations. While economic and strategic cooperation remains important, culture provides a human-centred approach that builds trust, goodwill, and long-lasting partnerships between the two countries. By investing more systematically in cultural diplomacy, both countries can strengthen their bilateral relationship, enhance mutual understanding, and contribute positively to people-to-people connections in an increasingly interconnected world.

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