New Zealand (Commonwealth)_In a significant diplomatic engagement, Sri Lanka and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during the official visit of New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters. He was warmly received by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Foreign Employment, Vijitha Herath, marking the highest-level diplomatic interaction since the establishment of resident diplomatic missions in both countries—New Zealand’s in Colombo in 2021 and Sri Lanka’s in Wellington earlier this year.
Minister Herath brought attention to the visit, describing it as a milestone in the evolving partnership between the two nations. He noted that discussions were wide-ranging and constructive, focusing on mutual interests in trade, investment, education, tourism, sports, and governance.
A key highlight of the talks was the proposal to establish a trade and economic dialogue between the two countries. Both parties acknowledged the need to streamline cooperation across multiple sectors and promote sustainable economic growth. Areas identified for enhanced collaboration include high-potential trade sectors such as dairy, processed food, and fresh produce. There was particular emphasis on improving market access for Sri Lankan exports and on deepening New Zealand’s existing support to Sri Lanka’s dairy industry through initiatives like the Dairy Excellence Training Initiative (DETI).
Tourism also featured prominently in the discussions. Recognizing untapped opportunities, both nations expressed interest in promoting joint tourism ventures and enhancing people-to-people engagement. Educational cooperation was similarly emphasized, with over 1,200 Sri Lankan students currently studying in New Zealand and more than 200 alumni of New Zealand’s scholarship programs. The ministers reiterated their intention to foster closer academic linkages and institutional partnerships, including joint research initiatives such as the one between the University of Otago and the University of Colombo on tourism.
Development assistance from New Zealand in key areas such as social cohesion, climate resilience, food security, and education was acknowledged with appreciation. The launch of the Sustainable Water and Livelihoods Project, aimed at supporting Sri Lankan farming households to enhance health and income, was announced as a new avenue of cooperation.
Vocational training and skills development for Sri Lankan youth were identified as priorities, with a shared focus on industry-aligned education. Migration cooperation also received attention, especially the work of the Migrant Information Centre in Batticaloa. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaborative frameworks for safe and regulated migration pathways.
In governance, Sri Lanka expressed interest in initiating direct cooperation between its Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and relevant anti-corruption agencies in New Zealand. The contribution of the Sri Lankan diaspora—over 23,000 individuals in New Zealand—was praised for its role in enhancing bilateral relations.
Sporting ties were further highlighted, particularly in cricket and rugby, with plans for training programs and youth exchange opportunities. Emphasis was also placed on women’s empowerment initiatives in financial management, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy.
Minister Peters acknowledged the historical depth of the relationship, citing trade connections dating back to the 1860s and educational links formed under the Colombo Plan. He reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for Sri Lanka’s application to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and announced new trade policy training opportunities for Sri Lankan officials under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program.
The two countries agreed on the importance of government-to-government cooperation in improving food safety standards, enhancing border processes, and boosting Sri Lanka’s market readiness. Discussions also touched on global security and regional stability, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to cooperation across customs, immigration, police, and defense sectors. In conclusion, the visit served to reinforce the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, with both nations pledging to advance cooperation bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally for the benefit of their peoples.
