May 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, is set to embark on an official diplomatic tour of New Zealand and Australia later this month as part of efforts to deepen regional partnerships and expand cooperation in key sectors.
The visit, scheduled from May 26 to June 03, 2026, will take place at the invitation of the governments of both countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
During the tour, Minister Herath is expected to hold formal bilateral discussions with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Talks are anticipated to focus on strengthening political ties, boosting trade and investment opportunities, enhancing tourism cooperation and expanding labour mobility arrangements between Sri Lanka and the two nations.
In addition to official meetings with foreign ministers, Herath is also due to engage with senior government representatives, business communities, policy institutes, academics and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora residing in both countries. Officials say these discussions are aimed at broadening economic and cultural engagement while exploring new areas of collaboration in education, technology and regional security.
One of the major highlights of the New Zealand leg of the visit will be the formal inauguration of Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Wellington. The opening of the diplomatic mission is expected to mark a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s diplomatic presence in the Pacific region and improving direct engagement with New Zealand institutions and businesses.