Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held two high-level diplomatic meetings on May 27, at Temple Trees, engaging with visiting dignitaries from the Vatican and New Zealand.
The Prime Minister received His Excellency Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, Ambassador of the Vatican (Apostolic Nuncio) to Sri Lanka, for a farewell call marking the conclusion of his tenure in the country. The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for Ambassador Udaigwe’s dedicated service and his significant contributions toward strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. She highlighted the importance of 2025 as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two states and commended the Ambassador's efforts in fostering goodwill and cooperation..
Later that day, the Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, who paid a courtesy call. The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including technical collaboration in agriculture, advancing women’s political participation, and potential cooperation in the field of sports. The Prime Minister underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its agriculture sector and recognized New Zealand’s experience in promoting inclusive governance. Both sides explored the possibility of establishing a dedicated sports school in Sri Lanka with New Zealand’s support.
The Vatican delegation included Reverend Monsignor Roberto Lucchini, Deputy Head of Mission of the Vatican Embassy in Colombo. The New Zealand delegation comprised Dr. Jon Johansson, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Michael Appleton, Senior Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Ms. Joanna Kempkers, Divisional Manager of the South and Southeast Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, Ms. Gabrielle Isaak, Deputy High Commissioner of the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo.
Representing Sri Lanka at both meetings were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including Ms. Isurika Karunarathne, Director for Europe and North America; Ms. Sashikala Premawardhane, Additional Secretary (Bilateral Political Affairs – East); and Ms. Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Acting Director General of the East Asia Division.
