Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, was accorded a traditional Māori “Pōwhiri” welcome at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, marking a significant moment at the start of his official visit to the country.
Sharing the development on X, Minister Herath said he was honoured to receive the ceremonial welcome, noting that he is the first Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to be extended the traditional Māori reception during an official visit to New Zealand.
The Minister is currently on an official tour of New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the two governments, in a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening ties and expanding cooperation with both nations.
During the visit, Vijitha Herath is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. The talks are expected to focus on areas of mutual interest and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
In addition to high-level political meetings, the Foreign Minister will also engage with senior government officials, business leaders, academics, think tank representatives and members of the Sri Lankan community living in both countries.
One of the key highlights of the New Zealand leg of the visit will be the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington, a move expected to further deepen diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism stated that the visit is expected to reinforce Sri Lanka’s longstanding relations with New Zealand and Australia while paving the way for closer cooperation across several sectors.
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