The Ministry of Agriculture has sought technical support from Italy to carry out a feasibility study on the possibility of manufacturing mozzarella cheese and growing olives in Sri Lanka, and invited the Italian investors in for the related projects.

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera has met Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) in Rome in Italy.

During the discussion, Amaraweera said that buffalo husbandry is carried out in Sri Lanka at a progressive level, so there are facilities for the production of mozzarella cheese. He said that the Government is ready to provide all necessary facilities if Italian investors are interested in launching related-projects in Sri Lanka. 

He also said that since Sri Lanka has areas with a suitable climate for olive cultivation, it is appropriate to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility of cultivating olives, and producing olive oil. Towards the end of both matters, Amaraweera requested Lollobrigida to provide the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka with necessary technical support. 

In addition, he has requested the Italian Minister to provide support for the adoption of the smart climate agricultural systems, the preparation of a high-yielding grape seed exchange programme, the introduction of grape varieties suitable for Sri Lanka's soil structure, and the improvement of breeding methods for Sri Lanka's livestock industry.

During the discussion, they also exchanged views on several other matters including the exchange of research experts, the preparation of an exchange arrangement for Italian cattle with Sri Lanka, the sustainable development in the food production sector and the promotion of cooperation in the agricultural workforce between the two countries.