The new Consulate General Office of Sri Lanka was officially opened in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on Thursday (28), strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
The inauguration coincided with the official visit of Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and was attended by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Rt. Hon. Winston Peters as a special guest.
The ceremony began with Sri Lankan religious observances and traditional Māori blessings, reflecting the cultural traditions of both nations.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Herath said the establishment of the consulate marks “a new chapter in diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations” between the two countries.
Senior officials from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, foreign diplomats, and representatives of the Sri Lankan community also participated in the event.
The new office is expected to provide more efficient consular services to the over 30,000 Sri Lankans living in New Zealand, while also promoting cooperation in trade, education, and tourism. (Newswire)