PoliticsHOTSunday, May 24, 2026

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath Begins Official Tour of Australia and New Zealand

TLDR

Vijitha Herath's NZ/Aus tour: opened Wellington High Commission.
Received Māori welcome; met NZ ministers on trade, education.
Strengthened Aus ties, met diaspora, observed Parliamentary Question Time.
Visit marks first SL FM to NZ since 2014, boosted cricket ties.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, is undertaking an official visit to Australia and New Zealand from May 26 to June 03, 2026. The tour, conducted at the invitation of the two governments, aims to foster bilateral relations. Minister Herath is scheduled to hold discussions with his counterparts, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. He will also engage with senior government representatives, business leaders, academics, think tanks, and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora in both nations. A notable event during the New Zealand leg will be the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission.

10 Updates

Update #11\u00b7 Jun 2 · 9:31 AM

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Australia, Milton Dick, on June 2, 2026, to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations. On the same day, he observed Australia’s Parliamentary “Question Time”, noting the vivid demonstration of democratic accountability and similarities in democratic traditions between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Update #10\u00b7 Jun 1 · 1:46 AM

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with members of the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne, Australia, on June 1, 2026. The meeting, held at Springvale Town Hall and organized by the local Sri Lankan diaspora, provided an opportunity for Minister Herath to discuss issues faced by Sri Lankans living overseas, outline government initiatives, and explain future plans.

Update #9\u00b7 May 31 · 10:15 AM

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with several Australian Parliament members from Victoria on May 31, 2026. Discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation, strengthening government-to-government partnerships, supporting the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia, and expanding trade and tourism ties. Minister Herath expressed gratitude for the support shown to the Sri Lankan community in Australia.

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