A New Era in Sri Lanka–New Zealand Ties: A View from the High Commissioners

On the establishment of on-the-ground diplomatic relations

Establishing resident High Commissions in both our capitals marks a transformative milestone in Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations. Image supplied/AMC

Prasanna Gamage

Establishing resident High Commissions in both our capitals marks a transformative milestone in Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations. We have developed a robust partnership grounded in decades of shared Commonwealth values and democratic principles.

Being on the ground in-country permanently enables more agile cooperation across agriculture, trade, education, tourism, sports and to provide vital support to our respective migrant communities. There a rapidly growing Sri Lankan community in New Zealand—now estimated at nearly 24,000—as well as an increasing number of students arriving from Sri Lanka for higher education.

David Pine

Going back 15 years or more there was a growing realisation in New Zealand that South Asia was becoming more important to New Zealand. The drivers for this were both global – geostrategic and economic shifts – and specific to New Zealand – changing patterns in migration and education.

We chose to set up a new post in Sri Lanka because we already had a strong bilateral relationship and Sri Lanka also enjoys good relationships with all its neighbours and is a well-connected base from which we can manage our relationships with Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Maldives.

Another slice of good fortune was to arrive in Colombo six months before High Commissioner Gamage left for New Zealand. As a general rule, embassies work with foreign ministries (their own and their host’s) rather than directly with each other. But it is helpful that the two High Commissions have a good understanding of each other’s work; High Commissioner Gamage and I enjoy catching up with each other whenever we can and I’ve been so impressed with how quickly he and his team have established themselves in New Zealand.  

On what the High Commissioners hope to achieve during their respective postings

Prasanna Gamage

My primary objective is to cultivate a more dynamic and multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. I aim to move beyond our traditional cooperation by deepening economic integration, expanding educational and cultural frameworks, and fostering more robust engagement at both the government and grassroots levels.

Moving forward, I see a trajectory of steady, strategic growth. With both High Commissions now fully operational, we have a unique opportunity to transition from a strong foundational friendship into a mature, high-impact diplomatic partnership defined by thriving trade, tourism and deep people-to-people connections.

David Pine

Over time, Sri Lanka will only become more important to New Zealand. It is strategically located in the region that is likely to be the main engine of economic growth over the next 25 years. It is an increasing source of students and migrants. At this point in our relationship, I believe that the most important thing we need to focus on is lifting awareness of each other’s countries. The annual Perceptions of Asia survey produced by the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows that awareness of Sri Lanka is still quite low in New Zealand.

We are working closely with Sri Lanka’s government and tourism industry to increase arrivals from New Zealand in a sustainable way and with benefits spread across Sri Lanka. Education is another key area of cooperation; Sri Lanka is now our fifth largest source of international students. We are also fostering links and dialogue between our business groups and  in cultural and sporting ties. Next year marks 100 years since the first cricket match between Ceylon and New Zealand. Watch this space!

On top issues for the NZ- Sri Lankan bilateral relationship

David Pine

Sri Lanka’s focus is still very much on recovering from Cyclone Ditwah, which caused such widespread damage at the end of last year. The New Zealand Government contributed $1 million towards the recovery, and we are making sure that money gets to where it will be used to the greatest effect.

Beyond that, we are thinking about giving more structure to our economic relationship. Sri Lanka has already applied to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a regional Free Trade Agreement of which New Zealand is already a member, and we are looking at means to improve informal cooperation in trade and investment.

Prasanna Gamage

Four  priority areas for our relationship are agriculture, education, tourism, and sports. Robust people-to-people ties, expanding trade and investment will also assist in further consolidating the partnership. For 2026, Sri Lanka’s engagement with New Zealand centres on diversifying trade—with an emphasis on exports and agribusiness—and revitalising tourism and sports diplomacy. Furthermore, the partnership aims to scale educational ties through the TVET sector [Technical and Vocational Education and Training].

Prasanna Gamage with Winston Peters. Image supplied/AMC

On what has surprised the High Commissioners about their roles in Wellington / Colombo

David Pine

Having spent a lot of time in South and Southeast Asia, a lot of things in Colombo have felt familiar to me, such as the friendliness of the people, the climate, the spice levels! I’m learning more about, the central role Buddhism plays here and the history here. The single biggest surprise would be how many Sri Lankans love rugby and how much they know about the All Blacks.

Prasanna Gamage

I’ve been deeply moved by the openness and sincere affection shown toward Sri Lanka here in New Zealand. From government circles to everyday conversations, people are eager to learn more about our heritage and our place in the world. A huge part of this connection is thanks to the thriving Sri Lankan diaspora in New Zealand who do incredible work building personal connections and acting as a living bridge between our two homes.

On what New Zealanders / Sri Lankans could learn from one another

Prasanna Gamage

Sri Lankans stand to gain much by observing New Zealand’s commitment to social inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance. New Zealand’s innovative and pragmatic approach to education and sustainable agriculture serves as a powerful blueprint for community development.

David Pine

I have yet to meet a Māori visitor to this country who hasn’t left excited by the parallels between Sri Lanka’s rich philosophical and religious traditions and Te Ao Māori, and the opportunities this presents. If there is one thing I would stress to New Zealanders who are thinking of coming up to Sri Lanka, it would be how easy and pleasant this country is to visit. But I’m not giving any other secrets away. Come up and find out for yourself!

 -Asia Media Centre