Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, successfully concluded his official visit to New Zealand from 26 to 31 May 2026. This visit underpinned the deepening bilateral partnership between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Key engagements during the visit included:
• High-level bilateral engagements with;
1. Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs
2. Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives
3. Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Forestry
4. Hon. Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Women
5. Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Ethnic Communities, Police
6. Hon. Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education
7. Hon. Vanushi Walters, Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
• Traditional Māori Pōwhiri welcome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Observing the proceedings of the House of Parliament of Representatives
• Discussions with the Asia New Zealand Foundation and the Global Research Alliance at the Ministry for Primary Industries
• Keynote address of the Business Forum at the Auckland Business Chamber
• Meeting with Mr. Kevin Malloy, Deputy Chair of New Zealand Cricket
• Tribute at the Christchurch Oi Manawa – Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial with Deputy Mayor Councillor Victoria Henstock
• Visits to the University of Auckland, Lincoln University in Christchurch and Burnside High School in Christchurch, including meetings with vice-chancellors, senior administrators, and Sri Lankan students
• Visit to Fonterra Head Office in Auckland
• Visits to Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple and ThiruMurugan Hindu Temple in Auckland
• Engagements with the Sri Lankan communities in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch
• Ceremonial opening of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Wellington
• Witnessing a World Drumming Festival in Christchurch, including Sri Lankan performers
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Wellington - New Zealand