Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath undertook an Official Visit to New Zealand at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Rt. Honorable Winston Peters, from 26th to 31st May 2026.
A key feature of the visit was the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington by Minister Herath in the presence of New Zealand Foreign Minister Peters along with officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the Sri Lankan community.
Minister Herath was accorded a traditional Māori Pōwhiri ceremonial welcome reception at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, followed by comprehensive bilateral discussions with Minister Winston Peters. The two sides engaged in productive deliberations on a wide range of issues of bilateral interest, including political engagement, trade and investment, agriculture and dairy cooperation, education, tourism, and sports. While reaffirming their commitment to further foster the growing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the two Ministers agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, including through a Trade and Investment Agreement (TIFA).
During the visit, Minister Herath held meetings with the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Rt. Honorable Gerry Brownlee, Minister for the Environment, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Minister for Women and Associate Minister for Accident Compensation Corporation Nicola Grigg, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry and Minister of Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Todd McClay, Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell and Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds, during which the two sides focused on further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and New Zealand across multiple sectors.
Minister Herath also met the Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Vanushi Walters, and the Deputy Chair of New Zealand Cricket Kevin Malloy. He engaged in an interactive session with Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases and took part in a Roundtable discussion with Asia New Zealand Foundation.
As part of his scheduled engagements towards business promotion in Auckland, the Minister addressed the Auckland Business Chamber in the presence of prominent business representatives of New Zealand, and visited the Head Office of ‘Fonterra’. His educational promotional engagements included meetings with the leadership of Auckland University, and a visit to the Lincoln University.
The Minister participated in a ceremonial ‘laying of a floral tribute’ at the Memorial to the Victims of Christchurch Earthquake, accompanied by Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Victoria Henstock.
The two sides recognised the importance of maintaining the positive momentum generated through the comprehensive and productive discussions held during the visit. They also agreed to build on the outcomes of Minister Herath’s visit as well as those of the visit by Rt. Hon. Winston Peters to Sri Lanka in 2025, which would collectively serve as a strong foundation for further strengthening Sri Lanka New Zealand relations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo 01
02 June 2026