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)

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The newly appointed Consul General‑designate of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Justice M.T. Mohamed Laffar, officially assumed duties at the Sri Lanka Consulate General on Monday (11).

According to the Consulate General, his assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organized by the Consulate staff.

In his address, Justice Laffar emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient and effective consular and employment welfare services for Sri Lankan nationals residing in Jeddah and the wider Western Region of Saudi Arabia. He also underscored the need for renewed efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

Justice Laffar brings with him a distinguished judicial career spanning over 35 years, having served in various capacities, most recently as Acting President of the Court of Appeal. He has also held positions as Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission and visiting lecturer at the Sri Lanka Law College. Notably, in 2007, he set a record by delivering 120 orders and judgments in a single day, reflecting his commitment to minimizing judicial delays.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka. An Attorney‑at‑Law of the Sri Lanka Law College, Justice Laffar is a past pupil of Vivekananda National School, Colombo, and Al Mubarak National School, Malwana. (Newswire)

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