High Commissioner Skandakumar presents credentials in New Zealand

February 15, 2016

High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar presented credentials to His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, in Auckland New Zealand on 10th February 2016.

The Credential ceremony included a distinctive New Zealand traditional M?ori ceremonial challenge; the wero, (‘Wero’ is an ancient warrior tradition of the M?ori which is aimed at determining whether visitors come in peace) a military guard of honour, followed by the presentation of credentials to the Governor General.

Traditional M?ori ceremonial challenge

High Commissioner briefed the Governor General on the meaningful steps that are being taken by the present Government under the leadership of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena and Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, to facilitate national reconciliation and to bring prosperity to all Sri Lankans. He added that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in outlining his economic policy had emphasised that the government’s goal was to foster a knowledge based social market economy built on social justice principles.

High Commissioner noted that New Zealand was an important trading partner for Sri Lanka, although at present the balance of trade was largely in favour of New Zealand. He said that it was his intention to focus on rectifying this towards a more balanced trade relationship by expanding the economic cooperation between the two countries. He observed further that the sizeable Sri Lankan community of over 12,000 who had made New Zealand their home had contributed constructively to the social, cultural and economic development of their adopted homeland which continue to be a source of pride for Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by Minister Counsellor Mr. Chandana Weerasena.
Full text of the statement made by H E the High Commissioner at the Presentation of Credentials :
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
15th February 2016.