These Lankans have to go all the way to the embassy in Rome if they want to get their passports renewed or any other requirement attended to.

That costs around 200 Euros and consumes one day of their busy lives.

They have been asking that an embassy branch be opened in Milano.

After they were convinced that it was difficult to do so, they asked that a one-day mobile service be given for Milano Lankans.

During the previous regime, such a mobile service was held on several occasions, but since the new government took over, it has stopped altogether.

When they asked acting ambassador in Italy Koshitha Rajapaksa, they were told that a mobile service could be possible only if the foreign ministry gives its approval.

Despite several requests, the ministry is yet to respond.

Anyhow, at least one or two MPs visit Milano every month at the expense of the Lankans there, but forget about them once they return home, Milano Lankans told Sri Lanka Mirror.