May 25, Colombo (LNW): Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has commenced a multi-day official visit to Sri Lanka, marking the first such diplomatic engagement at this level from New Zealand in over a decade.
He arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) late on the evening of May 24, where he was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, along with senior diplomatic staff.
During his stay, the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister is expected to engage in wide-ranging talks with key Sri Lankan leaders, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
These discussions are anticipated to explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and tourism—areas of increasing importance for both nations. Enhancing digital connectivity and fostering closer sporting and cultural exchanges are also on the agenda.
Beyond formal governmental meetings, Peters will participate in several sessions with business representatives and media figures. These engagements are seen as an effort to foster private sector linkages and raise awareness of New Zealand’s foreign policy focus in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as the global geopolitical landscape shifts.
Following his engagements in Sri Lanka, he is scheduled to continue to India, Nepal, and Australia, in what many interpret as part of New Zealand’s renewed strategic engagement with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
Whilst relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand have historically been cordial, they have often remained low-profile. This visit, however, signals an opportunity to revitalise and elevate the bilateral relationship, aligning it more closely with shared goals such as sustainable development, food security, and educational exchange.
Deputy Prime Minister Peters is expected to conclude his official programme in Sri Lanka on May 28.
