November 23, Colombo (LNW): Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, who oversees Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, has been chosen to lead the Sri Lanka–New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Association for the current Parliament.
The Association was officially revived on November 20 during a meeting held within the Parliamentary complex, chaired by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne. New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, David Gregory Pine, attended as Guest of Honour, joined by several ministers, MPs, deputy ministers and Parliamentary Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera.
MP Thanura Dissanayake was appointed Secretary of the Association, while MP and attorney-at-law Geetha Herath will take on the role of Treasurer.
During the proceedings, participants reflected on the long-standing ties between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, noting that cooperation between the two nations has been marked by mutual respect and shared priorities. Speakers highlighted the potential for closer collaboration across a range of fields, from trade and tourism to labour mobility, sports development and educational exchanges.
The Speaker thanked the New Zealand Government for the assistance it has extended to Sri Lanka over the years, acknowledging its consistent support in areas of economic and social development.
High Commissioner Pine reiterated his country’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism, trade and sport, with special emphasis on women’s cricket and men’s rugby—two areas in which New Zealand holds significant international expertise.
Both delegations expressed optimism that the reactivated Friendship Association would create a practical forum for advancing joint projects and deepening parliamentary engagement. During his visit to Parliament, the High Commissioner also met separately with the Speaker to explore ways of expanding collaboration at the legislative level and enhancing the overall partnership between the two countries.
