NEW ZEALAND SRI LANKA FOUNDATION
THE KNOWLEDGE HUB
Supporting Sri Lankans as a community – Jereeth Abdeen
Q: In what ways do Sri Lankan organisations promote cultural exchanges and the awareness of Sri Lankan heritage in New Zealand?
A: There are many Sri Lankan organisations in New Zealand. As for those I represent and serve as an executive member, we host multiple events such as cultural events, sports meets, Sri Lankan food fairs and Independence Day events.
Q: Are there any recent developments or agreements that have strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations? And if so, what are they?
A: To my knowledge, the answer is presently ‘no.’
In 2017, then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited New Zealand and promised to open a high commission soon while New Zealand’s officials pledged to open theirs in Colombo.
While the latter has been established, Sri Lanka’s high commission in New Zealand hasn’t. We would be able to develop and arrange many activities with its establishment.
Q: Can you share any challenges that the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand faces – and how do Sri Lankan organisations and societies in the country look to address them?
A: As mentioned earlier, we don’t have a Sri Lankan high commission here in New Zealand.
We did operate an honorary consulate in Wellington but it is presently vacant. In view of this, Sri Lankans have to engage with our high commission in Canberra for consular services, which can be very challenging much of the time.
As a society however, we help our people to settle here in New Zealand in all ways possible.
Q: In the context of business, what are the prospects for technology transfers and research collaboration between our two countries?
A: Sri Lanka can learn many things from New Zealand in the agricultural sector – especially when it comes to farming. New Zealand is adopting many new technologies in its farms to increase productivity.
Both governments can establish agreements to share their knowledge and facilitate the training of Sri Lankan farmers to their benefit.