• Sri Lankan mission in Delhi said the discussion focused on conceptual contours for a cooperation model

By Kelum Bandara   

Sri Lanka seeks cooperation from New Zealand in public sector reforms, strengthening democratic institutions and the development of dairy sector, an official said.  Foreign Minister of New Zealand Nanaia Mahuta and Sri Lanka High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda had a meeting in New Delhi yesterday.   

New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Michael Appleton who accompanied the minister said the meeting was a good opportunity for the Foreign Minister to hear first-hand about the challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing.   

“It was also a chance for her to reiterate New Zealand’s commitment to assist Sri Lanka in its efforts to recover from the crisis. Areas of potential cooperation discussed included dairy development, public financial management, public sector reform & strengthening democratic institutions. 

These areas are based on where New Zealand has relevant expertise and the expressed reform priorities of President Wickremesinghe’s Government,” he told Daily Mirror.   
Besides, a statement from the Sri Lankan mission in New Delhi said the discussion focused on conceptual contours for a cooperation model for smaller countries in the Indian Ocean region. Further, collaboration in the dairy sector was discussed, including possible trilateral arrangements involving Indian investors.   

Minister Nanaia Mahuta is a tribal member of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Manu and her parliamentary experience has enabled her to contribute to the collective aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders.