The official press conference announcing Lankan Fest New Zealand 2026 was held yesterday at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, bringing together members of the media, sponsors, special guests, entrepreneurs and representatives from Sri Lanka’s business community.
The festival is scheduled to take place on 1 November 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand, with the aim of showcasing Sri Lankan culture, tourism, businesses and products while strengthening connections between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Speaking at the launch, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka his excellency David Pine welcomed the initiative and highlighted its potential to become a regular event on the calendar.
“Here we are at the launch of this great new event on the calendar, and hopefully building a regular event where we can showcase to all New Zealanders the wonderful attractions of Sri Lanka and its culture. I’m delighted to see Krystal events doing this. They’ve found a wonderful partner in Home Lands, and I think nothing but good will come from this,” he said.
Nishantha Ariyawansa, Organiser of Lankan Fest New Zealand and Founder of Krystal Events New Zealand, said the event would create opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
“This is the first time Lankan Fest is being held in New Zealand, providing an opportunity for New Zealand businesses to promote Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan businesses to connect with New Zealand. All arrangements have been made to hold Lankan Fest in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 1st this year,” he said.
Lankan Fest New Zealand 2026 is expected to bring together Sri Lankan culture, entertainment, tourism, business and community engagement under one platform, while creating new opportunities to strengthen business and people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.