High Commissioner Prasanna Gamage, accompanied by Minister of the High Commission, Kithsiri Herath, undertook an official visit to Christchurch from 08 to 09 August 2025. During the visit, High Commissioner Gamage met with the Vice Chancellors Professor Cheryl de la Ray and Professor Grant Edwards, and academics of the Universities of Canterbury and Lincoln; Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Phil Mauger; CEO of Business Canterbury, Leeann Watson; South Island Manager of Asia New Zealand Foundation, Dr. James To; Honorary Consul of Poland in Christchurch and the Dean of the Consular Corps in Christchurch, Winsome Dormer, and Committee Members of Canta Lankans, a Sri Lankan community organisation in Christchurch.
He also participated in a community gathering organized by the “Ethera Api” and briefed the Sri Lankan community in Christchurch on current relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand as well as the Consular services being rendered by the High Commission to the Sri Lankan Community in New Zealand. Plains FM Radio also conducted an interview with the High Commissioner during the visit.
High Commissioner Gamage discussed higher education collaboration, scholarship opportunities, research partnerships, and academic exchanges with the Vice Chancellors of Canterbury and Lincoln Universities.
During the meeting with the Mayor of Christchurch, the High Commissioner discussed future cooperation with the City Council. This included the facilitation of Sri Lankan promotional events in Christchurch and a possible sister city partnership in Sri Lanka.
At the meeting with the CEO of Business Canterbury, Leeann Watson, High Commissioner Gamage exchanged views on trade and investment, promotional activities, the exchange of trade delegations, and possible associations with leading Sri Lankan Chambers.
High Commissioner Gamage visited the Samadhi Buddhist Temple at Christchurch, where religious observances were conducted by the Chief Incumbent, Most Ven. Makuldeniye Somarathana Thero, who invoked blessings for the success of the High Commissioner’s tenure and the prosperity of the nation.
High Commissioner Gamage and Winsome Dormer discussed the promotion of sports and trade activities between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The Dormer family and the Willows Cricket Club have been facilitating visits to Sri Lanka by young New Zealand Cricket Teams over the years.
During the radio interview, High Commissioner Gamage shared his insights on Sri Lanka – New Zealand relations, key areas of bilateral cooperation, and the activities of the Sri Lankan expatriate community. The High Commissioner also outlined his plans to support Sri Lankans residing in New Zealand, including students, families, and professionals. He emphasized how the Sri Lankan Diaspora can productively strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through promoting Sri Lankan culture, arts, and heritage in New Zealand.
With the committee members of Canta Lankans, High Commissioner Gamage exchanged views on community activities, engagement with Sri Lankan expatriates, the promotion of Sri Lankan culture and tourism, and partnering with development activities in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Wellington
18 August 2025
