Minister Vijitha Herath Seeks Closer Ties with New Zealand
WELLINGTON/AUCKLAND – Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards deepening its engagement with New Zealand, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, undertaking an official six-day visit to the Pacific nation from May 26 to 31 at the invitation of New Zealand Foreign Minister Rt. Hon. Winston Peters.
The visit marked a new chapter in bilateral relations, highlighted by the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington, a milestone widely viewed as a reflection of the growing importance of the relationship between the two countries. Minister Herath officially inaugurated the diplomatic mission in the presence of Foreign Minister Peters, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and representatives of the Sri Lankan community living in New Zealand.
In a gesture underscoring New Zealand's respect for diplomatic tradition and partnership, Minister Herath was accorded a traditional Māori Pōwhiri welcome at the headquarters of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The ceremony was followed by extensive bilateral discussions between the two foreign ministers covering a broad spectrum of cooperation.
The talks focused on strengthening political engagement, expanding trade and investment, enhancing agricultural and dairy-sector collaboration, promoting educational exchanges, boosting tourism and fostering greater cooperation in sports. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the longstanding friendship between the two nations and agreed to pursue stronger economic links, including the development of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
Minister Herath's visit also featured a series of high-level meetings with senior members of the New Zealand Government. Discussions were held with Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee, Minister for the Environment and Trade Nicola Grigg, Minister of Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay, Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell, and Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds. The meetings explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in sectors ranging from environmental management and agriculture to higher education and investment.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister also engaged with Labour Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Vanushi Walters and New Zealand Cricket Deputy Chair Kevin Malloy, highlighting the growing role of sports diplomacy in bilateral relations. He participated in discussions with the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases and attended a policy roundtable hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, where regional economic and geopolitical developments were discussed.
Economic diplomacy formed a central pillar of the visit. In Auckland, Minister Herath addressed business leaders at the Auckland Business Chamber, outlining Sri Lanka's investment opportunities and economic recovery trajectory. He also visited the headquarters of dairy giant Fonterra, exploring avenues for cooperation in the dairy and agricultural sectors, areas where New Zealand is globally recognised for its expertise.
Education was another key focus. The Minister met senior leadership at the University of Auckland and visited Lincoln University, discussing opportunities to expand academic partnerships, student exchanges and research collaboration between Sri Lankan and New Zealand institutions.
During his visit to Christchurch, Minister Herath paid tribute to the victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquake by participating in a floral tribute ceremony at the city's memorial site. The event was attended by Christchurch Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock and served as a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.
Officials from both countries described the visit as comprehensive and productive, noting that it reinforced the positive momentum generated by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters' visit to Sri Lanka in 2025. The two sides agreed that the outcomes of the reciprocal visits have established a strong platform for further strengthening bilateral relations.
Diplomatic observers view the establishment of the Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington and the commitment to deeper economic engagement as clear indications that both countries are seeking to elevate their partnership to a higher level. With trade, education, tourism and agricultural cooperation at the forefront of the agenda, Minister Herath's visit is expected to pave the way for expanded collaboration and closer people-to-people ties in the years ahead.