LKI holds discussion with Asia-New Zealand Foundation

April 20, 2023    Reading Time: < 1 minute

Reading Time: < 1 min read

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies welcomed a delegation from New Zealand from the Asia New Zealand foundation . The meeting between the two institution was an opportunity to exchange notes on the projects they are engaged in.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is a non partisan foundation whose objective is to help New Zealand build up ties with the Asia pacific region. Its staff consists mainly of academics and experts and advisors on the Asia region.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation operates 9 programmes of which 7 are focused on sports, media and business. This includes travelling and experiencing the Asian region and so far some 450 journalists have benefitted from training by the foundation.

Among its key subjects is the future of Sports in Asia. the foundation operates 12 track 2 dialogues in Asia.
LKI briefed the visiting delegation on its own activities including the hosting of conferences, discussions, webinars in addition to celebrations and book launches. LKI also briefed the visitors in detail on their role in assisting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably on the development of the Blue economy.

Both institutions discussed the strong need for unity between relatively small nations such as Sri Lanka and New Zealand to stay united as a group when faced with challenges posed by big powers.

The New Zealand delegation was led by His Excellency Michael Appleton- High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka with Mr. Simon draper, Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Ms. Suzannah Jessep, Director, Research and Engagement of the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Mr Senaka Silva, Senior Advisor. LKI was represented by Ms Vijayanthi Edirisinghe, Executive Director (Actg), Mr. Chathuka Senanayake, Director, Mr. Dilip S.Samarasinghe, Communications Manager, Mr. Nilupul Gunawardena, Research Fellow and Ms. Toyesha Paddukkage, Research Assistant.