Vijitha Herath receives traditional Māori welcome in New Zealand

May 27 (Daily Mirror) - Vijitha Herath became the first Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to receive the traditional Māori “Pōwhiri” welcome at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade during his official visit to New Zealand.

Vijitha Herath is currently undertaking an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 3 June 2026, at the invitation of the two governments.

During the visit, Minister Herath will hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts, Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, and Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

He is also scheduled to meet senior government representatives, officials, business leaders, academics, think tank representatives, and members of the Sri Lankan community in both countries.

A key highlight of the visit to New Zealand will be the ceremonial opening of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Wellington, the Ministry added.