WE ARE UMBRIA API

Together We Rise,
Together We Serve.

Uniting Sri Lankans across Umbria to uplift, celebrate, and grow as one family

2025

Year founded

8

Events and projects

700+

People helped

5

Towns across Umbria

OUR IMPACT

Our latest achievements

Every project is made possible by our members and friends, here in Umbria and in Sri Lanka.

A sound system for Komana Vidyalaya

23 September 2026

A sound system for Komana Vidyalaya

A complete sound system for an under-resourced school in Ampara, paid for with the first salaries of two young members.

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Blood Donation Day

20 September 2026

Blood Donation Day

For our first anniversary, our members gave blood together with Avis Perugia.

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20 volleyball kits for Komana Vidyalaya

13 June 2026

20 volleyball kits for Komana Vidyalaya

Full training gear for the team that won two titles playing barefoot.

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Where we come from, where we live

Two lands, one community

We are Sri Lankans living in Umbria: a 7,661 km bridge between the green heart of Italy and the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

The green heart of Italy

Umbria, Italy

A region in central Italy, between Rome and Florence, with no coastline and full of hills, medieval towns and traditions. This is where our community lives and works.

  • Regional capitalPerugia
  • Population≈ 850,000
  • Our townsPerugia, Terni, Orvieto, Todi, Città della Pieve
Discover Umbria
The pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka

An island south of India with over 2,500 years of history, beaches, tea plantations and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the homeland of our members and of the schools we support.

  • CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte
  • Population≈ 22 million
  • LanguagesSinhala, Tamil and English
Discover Sri Lanka

Our Story

About Umbria Api and Our Community

Members of the Umbria Api Sri Lankan community

Our mission is to empower the Sri Lankan community in Umbria by promoting culture, offering support, and building strong connections while honouring our roots and embracing life in Italy.

Umbria Api, with “Api” meaning “us” in Sinhala, is a united Sri Lankan community spread across Perugia, Orvieto, Terni, Città della Pieve, and Todi. We were formed to represent and bring together Sri Lankans living in the Umbria region, bound by shared values, heritage, and the spirit of togetherness. We envision a vibrant and empowered community where culture is celebrated, mutual support is nurtured, and future generations grow with pride in their identity. Through cultural events, social initiatives, and a strong sense of unity, Umbria Api strives to keep the heart of Sri Lanka alive right here in Italy.

Established in 2025

COMMUNITY SERVICES

How we support our community

The Umbria Sri Lankan Society is deeply committed to supporting our community through practical help and meaningful connections. From guiding newcomers and offering translation assistance to organising cultural events and charity initiatives, we strive to uplift one another and build a strong, united presence in Umbria. Our goal is to be a helping hand and a bridge between cultures, promoting care, understanding, and shared growth.

Young members of the community in traditional Sri Lankan dance costume

Educational & Youth Support

We believe in empowering our youth through education and guidance. From tutoring programs and language support to career mentoring and skills workshops

A member of Umbria Api speaking at a community gathering

Wellbeing & Mental Health

Emotional resilience and mental health awareness. We offer safe spaces for dialogue, connect members to resources, and host workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and community care.

The Umbria Api stall with a traditional Sinhala mask and Sri Lankan sweets

Cultural & Religious Activities

We celebrate the rich Sri Lankan heritage through cultural festivals, traditional dance, religious observances, and storytelling.

Community members together at the first Sinhala movie premiere in Umbria

Community Events

We bring people together – Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, there’s always something to be part of.

EXECUTIVE ADVISORS

The people who guide us

This section introduces the experienced individuals who offer wisdom, guidance, and support to help the Umbria Sri Lankan Society grow and serve effectively. They work closely with the community and leadership team to ensure our activities remain inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable.

Dott.ssa Ilaria Borletti Buitoni

Dott.ssa Ilaria Borletti Buitoni

Former Deputy Minister of Cultural Affairs

Ven. Molligoda Dirananda Thero

Ven. Molligoda Dirananda Thero

Founder of Rome Buddhist Maha Vihara

Dott.ssa Caterina Bon

Dott.ssa Caterina Bon

Former Director General at the Ministry of Culture

Dott.ssa Anna Calabro

Dott.ssa Anna Calabro

President of the Perugia Classical Music Foundation

Dott.ssa Gabriella Mecucci

Dott.ssa Gabriella Mecucci

Senior Journalist

Dando enim accipimus.
It is in giving that we receive.

From the Peace Prayer, attributed to San Francesco d’Assisi (St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy)

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