Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Republic of Italy

Tonight, we celebrate an important day in Italy’s history, remembering the 2nd of June 1946, when the Italian people through a constitutional referendum declared Italy a Republic.  This day marked a turning point for Italy; following years of a repressive regime and the hardship of a terrible war, a new form of government was established leading Italy through a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
This year also marks two important milestones in our Republican history.  Firstly, the re-election of President Giorgio Napolitano to a second term; and secondly, the formation of a new coalition government following February’s political general elections.  Headed by Prime Minister Enrico Letta, the new Government features a number of renown figures including former deputy governor of the Bank of Italy, Fabrizio Saccomanni as Minister of Economy and Finance, and Emma Bonino, former European Commissioner, as our new Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Over the last year Italy has made significant progress in strengthening public finances, by adopting a wide range of reforms aimed at securing Italy’s budgetary position.  Now, besides continuing on this path and consolidating the important achievements in rationalizing public expenditure, the new government will have to face the challenges of promoting growth and creating new jobs during this period of continued global economic difficulties. The new Government certainly has some difficult hurdles to overcome, however, as history shows, Italy performs its very best when faced with difficult tasks.
Although my country is well known around the world for its arts, culture, fashion and food, in my opinion one of the greatest strengths of my country lies in its people. Throughout my career, it always surprised me how I continuously came across Italian entrepreneurs in the most unpredictable of places, from small villages in Africa to Asia’s new megalopolises, from remote islands in the Pacific Ocean to the finance capitals of the West.  These businesses were mostly small, and sometimes very small, yet were able to build profit-making ventures through a strong belief in their product, extraordinary drive and commitment to their trade.  I am pleased to say that some of these Italian entrepreneurs are present here in Sri Lanka, contributing to this country’s growth and strengthening bilateral relations between our two nations.  Italian businessmen have maintained their confidence in the long-term possibilities of the Sri Lankan economy, even during the times of the war they kept coming to this country to invest and produce.  Today, Italian investments reach also the north of Sri Lanka, thus giving a significant contribution to the development of those areas, so heavily affected by almost 30 years of war.  Hopefully, the present political stability will continue to favour an investment-conducive environment throughout Sri Lanka.
As for bilateral trade, despite challenging global economic conditions, the trade flows between Italy and Sri Lanka continue to be strong, even though, after a big leap both in import from Sri Lanka to Italy and in export to Sri Lanka in 2011, the exchanges have stabilized, mainly because of the economic crisis still haunting most of Europe.  Even so, some areas still show growing trends, with Italian chemical products exported to Sri Lanka rising by 17% and food and beverage up by 22%.   The main products imported from Sri Lanka to Italy are confirmed to be textile goods accounting for 73% of total import in 2012.
Let me add however, that although trade is an important aspect of our relations,  Italy and Sri Lanka enjoy longstanding bilateral ties, based on mutual respect, solidarity and understanding which continue to foster the friendship between our two countries. In the recent past Italy has mobilized rapidly its assistance to Sri Lanka whenever it was needed, such as on the occasion of the tsunami in 2004, but also after the floods that have hit the country in early 2011.
Over the years Italy has become one of the preferred destinations for Sri Lankan workers, and we now have a population of several tens of thousands Sri Lankans living and working in Italy. We appreciate the presence of this peaceful and well integrated foreign community, acting as a bridge of trust and friendship and contributing to the mutual understanding of our two populations.  This fruitful cooperation has been further enhanced by a Labour Migration Agreement between the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, with the aim of matching the effective needs of the Italian labour market with the local offer,  with two training programs currently underway in the fields of hospitality and caretaking.
Italy and Sri Lanka are also united by the gift of a large artistic and cultural heritage, both boasting numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the past Italy contributed to the restoration of frescoes at the archaeological site of Sigiriya, and this assistance was recently revived through a programme aimed at providing technical assistance and training to local restorers.
All these examples clearly show the extent of the Italian commitment towards the construction and maintenance of a multifaceted partnership. We are extremely proud of the solid ties established over the years, and look forward to expanding the range of cooperation between Italy and Sri Lanka on a number of new areas for the benefit of both our peoples. The feelings of friendship and mutual respect are deep and sincere; they represent the most solid and reliable foundation of our partnership and they are also the most important reason for optimism about the future relations between our two countries.
On this solemn occasion for my Country, and on behalf of the people and Government of Italy, I would like to convey to the People and Government of Sri Lanka my sincere wishes of peace, stability and prosperity, as well as of a long and strong friendship between our two Countries.
Fabrizio Pio Arpea Ambassador of Italy

Giuseppe Verdi

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s greatest opera composer and one of the most influential composers of all time.  Verdi’s operatic output is astounding, with 29 operas, many of which are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world and, transcending the boundaries of the genre, and some of his themes have also made their way into popular culture. To put just his artistic legacy in perspective, more of Verdi’s operas are performed today than those of any other composer.
Giuseppe Verdi was born in Northern Italy Roncole di Busseto, in the Duchy of Parma, on the 10th of October 1813.  Although Verdi did not come from a musical family, he was largely self-taught, practicing on an old spinet given to him by his father, complemented by music lessons from the church organist.  It wasn’t long before a rich local merchant, and music lover, Antonio Barezzi, recognised Verdi’s talents and paid for his regular academic studies.  With Barezzi’s help, Verdi continued his studies in Milan, and it was there he began to frequent the world of La Scala, taking private lessons from the harpsichordist, Vincenzo Lavigna, and attending performances.  Under the auspices of Lavigna, Verdi attained a thorough grounding in counterpoint and fugue, opera performance practice, composition and orchestration – subjects he could not have learned better from any other source. During this period Verdi also began to mingle with the well connected Milanese musical establishment.

In 1836 Verdi went back to Busseto to take up the post of music teacher and in the same year he married the daughter of his benefactor, Margherita Barezzi, with whom he had two children: Virginia and Icilio. The steady employment and salary however turned out to be an obstacle to fulfilling his Milanese dreams and Verdi decided to give up everything and return to Milan, this time with his family.  November 1839 saw the production of Verdi’s first opera Oberto at the Teatro La Scala, which enjoyed a modest success although darkened by the death of his children followed by Margherita to whom Verdi was bound with deep sentiment. In those tragic days the maestro managed to complete the commission for a comic opera Un giorno di regno which turned out to be a dreadful fiasco after which Verdi declared that he would never write music again.  However, he was convinced to change his mind and went on to write Nabucco in 1842, a triumph with a chorus so popular that it was played in the streets. That the same year Verdi met two women who were to become extremely important in his life: the first was the soprano and pianist Giuseppina Strepponi, destined to become his companion and later his second wife, while the second, Countess Clarina Maffei, ensured that the doors of the salons of Milanese high society were opened to him.
Verdi achieved musical and dramatic perfection with his popular trilogy: Rigoletto (1851), Il trovatore (1853) and La traviata (1853), all of which achieved clamorous success, with La traviata being the most popular of all Verdi’s operas and also the most performed opera in the world.
In 1861 Verdi was persuaded to enter politics and was elected to the first Italian parliament, then becoming a senator in 1874.  During these years he composed La Forza del Destino (1862) and in 1865 he rewrote Macbeth for the French theatre, and composed Don Carlos for the Paris Opera in 1867.  In 1862 he composed Inno delle Nazioni (Anthem for the Nations) for the Universal Exhibition of London with a text by Boito.  With Aida (1871), commissioned by Ismail Pasha as an Egyptian “national” opera, Verdi reinterpreted the spectacular demands of grand opera from an Italian perspective.  Verdi also found the time to devote himself to the well-being of those in need, and in 1888 he inaugurated a hospital at Villanova D’Arda which he had financed in its entirety, and in 1880 he bought the land where his Retirement Home for Musicians would be built. The home still exists today and he described it as his “most beautiful work of art”. However it was his wish that the home would only be opened after his death since Verdi had no wish to be thanked for his generosity.  In 1887, at the age of 80, Verdi wrote Otello returning to Shakespeare for his source.  In 1893 he gave his farewell to the theatre with his only comic opera Falstaff.
Verdi died on 27 January 1901, and as a final salute Arturo Toscanini, one of the greatest Italian conductor of all times, lead the orchestra of La Scala and a choir of 900 voices to ‘Va Pensiero’ from Nabbucco, a befitting farewell from the entire Italian nation.

Verdi remains a key figure in contemporary Italian culture, and his reputation as the greatest of all Italian opera composers is beyond dispute. His dramatic flair and phenomenal expressive range, coupled with an apparently inexhaustible supply of memorable tunes, continue to thrill opera audiences to this day.  To celebrate 200 years since the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, 2013 will witness several productions of his operas worldwide, including the first-ever performance of ‘Rigoletto’ in Bahrain, and an acclaimed production of ‘Nabucco’ by the Leipzig Opera in Germany. In addition, there are more than 360 events planned worldwide from New York and Sydney to Milan and Zurich.  The Italian Embassy in Colombo will organise a cultural programme to celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s bicentenary, scheduled for the latter part of 2013.

Expo is a universal event where over 150 of the world’s nations put on show, as best it can, highlighting its traditions, creativity and spirit for innovation; and in 2015 it will light up Milan, the European capital for fashion and design. After almost 100 years this unique event is making its return to Italy (Milan was also the seat for the Universal Expo of 1906), and will act as a window on the city and on humanity itself.  The city of Milan was selected for such an important event due to its central position within the European context, the efficiency of its infrastructures and existing services, as well as the quality of the Italian committee’s project proposals, and of course the fame of the city  on a global scale.
The 2015 Milan Universal Exposition will revolve around a theme of universal interest: ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’. This embraces technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity, and how they relate to food and diet. Expo 2015 will further develop themes introduced in earlier Expos, for example water at Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, in the light of new global scenarios and emerging issues, with a principal focus on the right to healthy, safe and sufficient food for all the world’s inhabitants; the elimination of hunger, thirst, infant mortality, malnutrition – that affects 850 million people on the planet – and the eradication of famine and pandemics.  During the Expo high-quality agro-alimentary products will be highlighted, especially considering that Italy is abundant in these resources. Agro-alimentary production has caught up with the consolidated cultivation traditions of diverse populations and local communities due to significant scientific and technological innovations. And where better to discuss such matters than in the country that hosts the European Food Safety Authority (Europe’s guarantor of food safety, quality and security). All participating nations will have the opportunity to represent their own nutritional and production achievements, as well as offer tastings of their unique culinary specialties.

As the host nation, the Expo is also intended to stimulate the regional and national economies and showcase Italy’s outstanding qualities when it comes to food.  One of the quickest ways to discover and fall in love with Italy is at the table.  Italian cuisine is well known and appreciated all over the world and prides itself on simple delicious combinations of the finest, freshest ingredients available.  Each Italian region and town is proud to have its trademark dishes and ingredients, for example balsamic vinegar from Modena, mozzarella di bufala from Campania, truffles from Piedmont or Molise, cannoli from Sicily, artichokes from Rome, pizza from Naples, saffron risotto from Milan, and pecorino from Pienza.  The Italian food industry (the nation’s second largest) includes no fewer than 36,000 family firms and medium-sized companies, half a million workers, and an annual turnover of €100bn. This ingredient of Italian excellence stems from centuries spent honing farmers’ skills, refining production methods and improving agriculture management methods.

The Expo will be located in the northeast of Milan, in the municipality of Rho, occupying an area of 1.5 million sq. m. The site is strategically located and highly accessible from all the region’s airports: Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio, crucial given that the appeal of the Expo is longreaching, drawing visitors from around the globe. It is estimated that 29 million tourists will visit the Universal Expo 2015 in its six month duration, an average of 160,000 visitors a day.

Expo 2015 will see the participation and involvement of millions of people who, as well as visiting the exhibition site, will take the opportunity to enjoy the economic capital of Italy.  Milan, the second-largest city in Italy, enjoys a culturally rich heritage and is home to many museums and galleries, as well as numerous architectural gems, including historic residences, monumental villas and palazzi, and all this will be open for exploration during the Expo. In addition, the world famous lakes, such as Maggiore, Como, Lugano and Varese are within close reach and make for equally-excellent natural-historic itineraries.  Internationally recognised for their cultural and natural value, these attractions will be integrated into the Expo campaign via a series of side events at locations such as Villa Erba in Cernobbio. Furthermore, for those nature lovers, there are a number of urban parks are sprinkled around the zone: the Parco delle Groane in the World Wildlife Fund Oasis of Vanzago, Parco Sud and Parco dei Fontanili, as well as Parco delle Cave, Parco di Trenno and Monte Stella.

Louist Piet, Prince Willem-Alexander van Oranje, Queen Máxima and Her Royal Highness Queen Beatrix

On the 30th of April 2013, on the National Day of the Kingdom of The Netherlands generally called ‘Queen’s Day’, Her Royal Highness Queen Beatrix will abdicate and she will be succeeded by her son, His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander van Oranje. After 33 years as our head of state, Queen Beatrix has made the decision to retire and to hand over her responsibilities to King Willem-Alexander and to Queen Máxima.
I would like to use this opportunity to publicly thank Her Majesty Queen Beatrix for everything she has done for The Netherlands and to wish her a long, happy and more quiet life in the years to come. Equally I would like to congratulate our new King on his investiture and to wish him success in carrying out his new responsibilities as head of state.

For decades the 30th of April, the birthday of Queen Juliana, the mother of Queen Beatrix, has been the National Day of The Netherlands. This day has always symbolized the bond between the people of The Netherlands and the Royal Family. With the investiture of His Royal Highness King Willem-Alexander, our National Day will move to the 27th of April, the birthday of our new King. The celebration of King’s Day will be as grand as it was before.

The year 2013 also marks the beginning of the celebration of 200 years of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Two centuries ago, in November 1813, the great-great-great-great-grandfather of our new King landed on the shores of The Netherlands to become King Willem the First. After being a republic for two centuries and after two decades of French supremacy in Napoleonic times, The Netherlands became a Kingdom, a democracy with a constitution, a Senate and a House of Representatives. Various activities related to this occasion will take place later in the year as well as next year. These festive activities will focus on five important values that have been secured in the modern Kingdom: personal rights and freedoms, good governance under modern rule of law, international orientation, room for active civil participation, and unity in diversity.

The history that The Netherlands shares with Sri Lanka dates back even longer, almost 400 years. It is still reflected and visible today in our common cultural heritage: forts, buildings, names, legislation, archives, etc. This common heritage, tangible and intangible, is worth preserving. It should have a recognizable designation, should have a place and a function in today’s society, in order to preserve and maintain its value. We will have to either “use it or lose it”. Government and private sector should cooperate to achieve this, in order to assure a sustainable future of the historic assets of this country.

For the past 40 years The Netherlands has been a partner in the development of Sri Lanka. Hundreds of millions have been invested in rural development, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and private sector development. Most of these investments have borne fruit and today Sri Lanka has become a middle income country, rapidly growing in a very dynamic region. The Netherlands would like to continue to be a partner of Sri Lanka, with the joint ambition to realize the five values mentioned above as these are of equal importance to both our countries.
We also continue to be a partner in business. Our two countries have strong commercial ties, trading more than 300 million US$ in goods. Dutch companies have invested in garments, food production, agriculture, shipbuilding, banking, and ICT. Other companies are executing important projects in infrastructure, water supply, and health among others. More than 25.000 Dutch tourists are visiting Sri Lanka to enjoy the beautiful nature, the rich cultural heritage, and the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.

The staff of the Embassy works hard to strengthen these commercial ties; economic diplomacy is our first priority. We assist Dutch companies wanting to do business in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan companies wishing to invest in or trade with The Netherlands. Various instruments are available to support these activities as the combination of aid and trade will contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.

While working on our economic, political and consular tasks, the staff of the Embassy and I will continue to expand the warm relations between our two nations, relations that are based on our long history of friendship and mutual respect.

 Louist Piet
Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands

Water and water management

The Netherlands (sometimes also called Holland) has always been a trading nation. The strategic location of our country on the North Sea and in the estuary of three major European rivers, combined with limited natural resources and high population density forced the Dutch to look overseas. In an early example of public private partnership (PPP), the United East India Company (VOC, the oldest publicly listed company in the world) was charged by the then government of The Netherlands to explore foreign markets. It should not be a surprise that Ceylon, equally strategically located on the major shipping route in the Indian Ocean, became one of the earliest trading partners, supplying spices, gems, and many other goods.

Today the terms of trade and the products have changed, but the essentials of the past still exist: strategic locations of our two countries, necessity to trade, and close cooperation between government and private sector.

The Netherlands still depends on trade for economic prosperity: one third of the Dutch national income is from foreign trade and the Dutch government does cooperate closely with the private sector to promote international trade and investments. The Netherlands government and Dutch companies strongly believe that sustainable and inclusive economic growth will be beneficial for all, for investors and employees, for sellers and buyers, for traders and clients. Therefore, Dutch companies adhere to the other PPP (People, Planet, Profit) and these principles are being applied in Sri Lanka by some of the world’s leading multinationals that have been founded in Holland, such as Philips, Heineken, Unilever, and AKZO-Nobel.

True to the idea that government and companies should cooperate, representatives of the Dutch government, industry and science have jointly identified nine sectors in which The Netherlands excels. Nine sectors in which we have built considerable expertise, a strong industrial and commercial position based on innovation and a credible track record of international partnerships. Six of these sectors are most relevant in Sri Lanka: Water and water management: As one third of the country is situated below sea level, The Netherlands knows how to deal with integrated water management using a multi-disciplinary approach: in coastal management, in flood protection, in groundwater management and irrigation, but also for water supply and sanitation. Dutch engineers and technicians are advising on flood protection in Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho-Chi-Min City and Dhaka and are constructing ports in Dubai, Malaysia and other countries.

Health and Life Sciences: The Dutch became the tallest people in the world thanks to good food and good health care.

That means competent doctors, excellent health management systems, insurance, pharmaceuticals but also innovative hospital equipment, emergency response and specific solutions for an ageing population. Knowledge that is relevant for and can be shared with Sri Lanka.
Agriculture & Food (including livestock): The Netherlands is the world’s 2nd largest exporter of agricultural products, including dairy.

Sustainable food production for an ever growing world population is the challenge for world famous Wageningen University.
Horticulture and propagation material: The Netherlands is the global trendsetter and market leader in flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Aalsmeer is the world’s largest flower auction, handling products from across the globe.

Energy: The famous Dutch windmills harnessed wind energy centuries ago. Today it’s not different: developing sustainable energy (wind, solar, biomass) is a top priority. In addition The Netherlands has become the European hub for the supply and distribution of oil and gas.
Transport and Logistics: Our tradition in trade and shipping made Rotterdam into the biggest port in Europe and Schiphol into the best rated airport.  Holland has become a hub in the region, truly the gateway to Europe. Sri Lanka’s ambition to be a logistical hub in South Asia could benefit from this experience.

In these sectors special programmes have started where companies, scientific institutions and government – the “golden triangle” – are working closely together.

Additionally in each sector a joint “top team” has been appointed to enhance excellence, stimulate innovation and to promote international cooperation.

Dutch companieshave become partners in the economic development of Sri Lanka, some already decades ago but there is opportunity for much more. Dutch entrepreneurs, particularly those from the sectors mentioned above, have the knowledge and the capabilities to make Sri Lanka realize its ambitions.

When needed Dutch companies can find solutions, create markets and produce innovative products. Wherever needed the Dutch government is ready to support companies that want to do business either in Sri Lanka or the Netherlands.  A range of instruments (including subsidies and loans) are available:

ORIO is a grant facility to governments for public infrastructure development; it can finance the development and construction of large projects. www.orio.nl.

PSI is a subsidy to support innovative partnerships between a Sri Lankan company and a Dutch company.  The maximum project costs may not exceed 1.5 million Euro. 50% of the project costs is a grant from the Dutch government, 50% needs to be paid by the companies.

www.agentschapnl.nl/en/psi PPP, public private partnerships, is a facility that has been developed to support initiatives aimed at cooperation in food security or in the water sector.

MMF is a matchmaking facility, assisting companies from Sri Lanka to find Dutch business partners for investment, trade or exchange of knowledge and know-how. www.agentschapnl.nl/en/mmf

Avurudu Kumari finalists and The panel of organisers

Hounslow Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation presented this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration for the successive eighth year on April 6 at the auditorium of Lampton School, Lampton Road, Hounslow. Despite the unusually cold weather, the event was well attended by a large number of Sri Lankans from and around London and as well as far flung towns and cities in the United Kingdom.
The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero; Dr Chris Nonis, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka  Mrs. Seema Malhotra, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston; Jagdish Sharma, Leader of the House London Borough of Hounslow; Mayor Pritam Singh Grewal and Mrs. Grewal; Miss. Surya Samaraweera, Patron of the Janahanda Foundation; Herath, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Chaminda Kularatna, Minister of Consular Services of the High Commission of Sri Lanka; Dhammika Muthukudarachchi, Deputy Manager, Bank of Ceylon London; Nalin Perera, Sri Lanka Tourist Board London and a number of councillors of London Borough of Hounslow were amongst the distinguished guests in attendance.
Proceedings commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp followed by welcome speech of Miss. Surya Samaraweera, Patron of the Janahanda Foundation.
Sri Lankans of all ages took part in the traditional sports and games held in the afternoon and won many prizes. The Tug of War drew so much interest and enthusiasm.
A colorful cultural show was presented in the evening compered by Asiri Bandara and Shiran Almeida.  A delighted audience enjoyed a variety of performances showcased by young and old trained by Mesdames Madu Marasingha, Kashmi Dissanayaka and Rohini Wijewikrama.
Avrudu Kumari Beauty Contest organised by Mrs. Manoja Almeida and Ms. Niru Hettiarachi was the highlight of the evening. Beautiful lasses clad in cloth and jacket paraded around the stage making it hard for the judges Dr Chris Nonis, Miss. Surya Samaraweera and  Chaminda Kularatna to pick the best.  Miss.
Tharushi Wanigaratna was crowned the winner while runners up were Surangi Puspika Patirana and Samadi Galpayage
Sri Lal Dias, President of Janahanda provided a brief account of work carried out by the Foundation over the years.Amongst those who worked tirelessly to make this year’s celebration a success were Sri Lal Dias, Wijeyratna Bandara, Kamal Abeyathilaka, Gamini Muthukumarana, Sudesh Fonseka, Saman Marasingha, Saman Priyantha, Kumara Patirana Nilantha Jagath, Anuruddha, Neil Nanayakkara and Nilantha Jagath, Anuruddha Asoka Naren many others.
The grand finale of the celebration was the thrilled crowd dancing to the renditions of a number of popular Sri Lankan singers in London. Singers, Sunil B. Perera, Sunil Wimalarathna,  Hemanth Kumara Gunadeera, Chandana Fonseka, Chadra Kumar Buddika Siriwardana, Tushara Melroy and Gayan. Music was by Dhanika, Charith,  Chilan and Dewa.
This year’s event was sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon, SriLankan Airlines, Samars Solicitors, Atlas Shipping, Nanda Dissanayaka,  Mrs. Manoja Almaida, Sunil B. Perera, Chanaka Dissanayaka, Dewasundarsam, Kanaex Kanagathurai, Kannan Sangaralingam, Chanaka Dissanayaka, Nimesh Wickremasinghe, Ananda Hikkaduwa, Fasal Mohideen  and Saman Priyanta.