Asia New Zealand Foundation visit boosts Sri Lanka–New Zealand ties

The Asia New Zealand Foundation, a non-partisan not-for-profit organisation, is New Zealand's leading provider of Asia-focused insights and experiences. Recognising Asia’s growing importance to the future of New Zealand’s prosperity, the Foundation works to build understanding and capability so that New Zealanders can engage confidently and meaningfully in Asia.

It has just concluded a successful visit to Sri Lanka, bringing a 14-member delegation from its Leadership Network to deepen connections and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

The delegation travelled to gain first-hand exposure to Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape and to engage directly with its rich cultural heritage. Over a series of business, diplomatic, educational, and cultural meetings in Colombo and Nuwara Eliya, the group gained valuable insights into Sri Lanka and its opportunities and built relationships with Sri Lankan leaders.

“Spending a week in Sri Lanka has been a hugely valuable experience. The opportunities to do more between our two countries are immense, but much of that potential can only be fully appreciated by being here in person,” says Tim McCready, a participant of the delegation.

“New Zealanders feel a real warmth toward Sri Lanka - it’s a connection shaped by education, community, and our shared love of sport. Most of us know someone from Sri Lanka, which naturally builds curiosity and a desire to visit. It’s an exciting part of the world that is evolving quickly, and there is a real desire in New Zealand to learn more about the country,” he says.

“What’s clear from our time here is that there is genuine potential for us to do more together - to deepen our relationship, share expertise, and open up new opportunities in ways that benefit both countries.”

In 2024, New Zealand exported around US$335 million in goods to Sri Lanka (mostly dairy products, particularly milk powder) and imported approximately US$64 million (mostly tea, coffee, apparel and rubber products). New Zealand opened a High Commission in Colombo in 2021, and Sri Lanka established its High Commission in Wellington earlier this year.

As part of the visit, the delegation received a briefing from New Zealand's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, David Pine, and visited the Pathfinder Foundation, one of Sri Lanka’s leading think tanks.

They also participated in a networking event organised by the New Zealand High Commission, where the group met a remarkable cross-section of Sri Lankan leaders - from journalism, business and public policy to the United Nations, creative industries and the corporate sector.

“The strength of talent driving Sri Lanka’s renewal post-crisis is impressive,” says McCready. “From our visit and the people we met, we can already see opportunities emerging to do more between our two countries.”

A particularly meaningful experience was the visit to the Tea Leaf Trust in Nuwara Eliya, which works with young adults from Sri Lanka’s tea-estate communities. Its one-year development programme builds practical skills - including English, IT and business capabilities - alongside emotional wellbeing and personal growth. The programme has had impressive outcomes, supporting graduates into full-time work or further study.

“It was inspiring to meet the staff and students of the Tea Leaf Trust and hear their stories about how the programme has changed their lives and expanded their opportunities,” says Justine Roberts, another member of the delegation.

The delegation also visited Dilmah, where they received a masterclass from CEO Dilhan Fernando. Dilmah’s relationship with New Zealand spans almost 40 years. Fernando spoke about the importance of values, purpose and impact in business today, emphasising how Dilmah prioritises ethical production, environmental stewardship and long-term thinking.

“Dilhan was incredibly generous with his time - he spent over an hour and a half with us,” says McCready. “It was fantastic to hear how Dilmah lives its values, prioritising purpose, integrity and long-term relationships over short-term profits. It exemplifies what it means to be a responsible actor within a wider ecosystem.”

Another standout visit was to Hayleys, Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerate. Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage shared insights into the company’s long-term strategy and leadership philosophy. Hayleys’ approach during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges - where it continued to protect staff, invest in communities, and maintain its focus on long-term sustainability despite the difficulties - highlighted its resilience and purpose-driven mindset.

“It was incredibly impressive to see the scale and breadth of Hayleys’ 16 business units, and encouraging to hear how sustainability targets guide each of them,” says Roberts.