Supporting Children from Sri Lankan Migrant Families in New Zealand: An Early Childhood Teacher’s Guide For Sri Lankan families settling in New Zealand, starting early childhood education can bring excitement as well as uncertainty. Parents may wonder whether their child will settle into a new classroom, continue developing Sinhala or Tamil, understand a play-based curriculum and build a comfortable relationship with teachers. An article by Subashini Jayalath, published by ශ්‍රී LankaNZ (Sri LankaNZ) on 28 September 2026, addresses these concerns from the perspective of an experienced early childhood teacher. Writing from Invercargill, Subashini draws on more than 25 years of experience in language and education in Sri Lanka, Fiji and New Zealand. Her message is reassuring: children develop confidence when their identities, languages, relationships and family experiences are recognised as important parts of learning. 1. Will my child settle into the new classroom environment? Starting at an early childhood centre ...

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Last of 2,000 Kauri Seedlings Planted in Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges in Hope of Beating Kauri Dieback The original Newswire New Zealand photograph shows young kauri beside the Fairy Falls Track. Photograph: Newswire New Zealand. A new generation returns to the forest About 2,000 young kauri grown from seed collected from healthy parent trees have now been planted in Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges, offering a measured glimmer of hope in the fight against kauri dieback. The final seedlings were planted on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The project brings together Te Kawerau ā Maki, government scientists, Auckland Council and volunteers in a long-term effort to discover whether some kauri may have a natural ability to withstand the disease. The seedlings were raised from seed gathered from approximately 650 “mother” kauri. These trees were identified by scientists and iwi as healthy despite growing in a forest where kauri dieback is widespread. The scientific reasoning ...

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Shehan Karunatilaka Partners with Education New Zealand to Inspire the Next Generation of Storytellers Shehan Karunatilaka. Photo credit: Newswire. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is partnering with Booker Prize-winning Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka at the Colombo International Book Fair from 25 September to 4 October 2026. The programme will bring together school and university students, aspiring writers, educators and readers for a series of literary engagements focused on storytelling, imagination and learning. It will also highlight the links between Sri Lankan literature, international education and the experiences of Sri Lankans who study, work and build creative careers overseas. Karunatilaka will take part in conversations with students, share insights into his writing journey and lead a special creative writing workshop for winners of the Education New Zealand Short Story Challenge. A celebrated Sri Lankan voice in global literature Shehan Karunatilaka is best known for The Seven Moons ...

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The Dunedin Sri Lankan Society (DSLS) has elected a new leadership team and announced plans to expand its support for Sri Lankan migrants, families and students in the Otago region. The Society held its fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7 June 2026 at the Sargood Centre in Dunedin. The formal meeting was followed by a dinner for members, providing an opportunity to recognise the Society’s progress and welcome its next phase of development. Dr Suranga Dassanayake, a founding member of the DSLS, was elected President. Dr Kavinda Wijenayake was elected Secretary. The appointments bring experienced community leaders into the Society’s executive team as it prepares to broaden its health, wellbeing, educational and cultural activities. New leadership for the Dunedin Sri Lankan community Dr Dassanayake has been closely involved with the DSLS since its formation. He previously served as Co-Secretary and later as Vice President for two consecutive terms. His ...

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ISIPATHANA COLLEGE OBA NZ GREEN NIGHT 2026 – 17 OCTOBER 2026 – 7.00 PM TO 11.30 PM  Source : Isipathana College OBA New Zealand ISIPATHANA COLLEGE OBA NZ GREEN NIGHT 2026 Annual Premier Community Event Date – 17 OCTOBER 2026 Location – FICKLING CONVENTION CENTRE , 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 1042 Time  – 7.00 PM TO 11.30 PM Dinner & 8 Member table have 1 red wine + 1 white wine DRESS CODE: SMART CASUAL NOW YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS FROM: Suresh Basnayake – 022 4117483 Hasitha Kahawitage – 0204552837 Manula Rathnayake – 0224786351   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you’d like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly. Thanks. eLanka teamnbsp; ...

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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Prasanna Gamage, has visited Wellington-based technology company Data Torque to discuss potential business partnerships and opportunities in Sri Lanka. The visit brought together diplomatic representatives, senior technology executives and Sri Lankan IT professionals working in New Zealand. It highlighted the growing importance of professional networks, digital services and international business connections in strengthening Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations. According to a report published by Wellington News, High Commissioner Gamage met Data Torque Chief Executive Vernon Kay and other senior executives at the company’s Wellington office on 14 August 2026. Discussions focus on potential partnerships in Sri Lanka Data Torque operates in more than 20 countries and specialises in tax collection procedures, revenue management technology and transformation strategies for public-sector organisations. The company’s work involves helping governments modernise systems used for tax administration and revenue collection. This can include digital platforms, improved administrative processes and ...

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A significant service milestone has brought Sri Lankan consular support closer to families living outside New Zealand’s main centres. The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Wellington held its first-ever mobile consular service in Hamilton on 19 August 2026, assisting more than 100 Sri Lankan nationals with essential documentation and related services. The outreach programme included support for passport applications and licence renewals, allowing members of the Sri Lankan community to access assistance without travelling to Wellington. For many families, students, professionals and older residents in the Waikato region, the service represented a practical improvement in access to official support. The initiative is particularly important for Sri Lankans living outside the capital. Although Wellington is home to the resident High Commission, travelling there can involve considerable time, expense and logistical planning. By taking services directly to Hamilton, the mission demonstrated how diplomatic and consular support can respond to the everyday ...

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Lankan Fest New Zealand 2026 will take place in Auckland on 1 November 2026, bringing Sri Lankan culture, tourism, business and community connections together in New Zealand for the first time. The new festival is being organised to showcase the best of Sri Lanka to New Zealand audiences while creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and community members in both countries to connect. It is expected to provide a platform for cultural presentation, tourism promotion, product showcases, entertainment and people-to-people engagement. The official announcement was made at a press conference held at The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. The event brought together media representatives, sponsors, special guests, entrepreneurs and members of Sri Lanka’s business community. Event details Event: Lankan Fest New Zealand 2026 Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Focus: Sri Lankan culture, tourism, businesses, products and community connections Organiser: Krystal Events New Zealand Further information about the venue, ...

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Altair Colombo Luxury Apartments for Sale Ready-to-occupy 2BR, 3BR & 4BR Residences Dream Big, Live Elevated at Altair Colombo Experience luxury city living at Altair Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic residential landmarks. Located at 127 Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 02, Altair offers ready-to-occupy 2BR, 3BR and 4BR apartments with breathtaking views of Beira Lake, the Indian Ocean and the Colombo skyline. Live Above the City. At the Heart of Colombo. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Altair is more than a luxury apartment tower. It is a landmark of architectural beauty, comfort and prestige, created for those who want an elevated lifestyle in the heart of Colombo. Why Choose Altair Colombo? Ready-to-occupy luxury apartments in Colombo 02 Spacious 2BR, 3BR and 4BR residences available Starting from LKR 119 Million Stunning 270° panoramic views of Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean Iconic architecture by Moshe Safdie Premium amenities ...

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The landscape of international women’s cricket continues to expand with unprecedented momentum, marked most recently by the auspicious arrival of the New Zealand Women’s ‘A’ Team on Sri Lankan soil. Touching down at the Bandaranaike International Airport on May 7, 2026, the visiting contingent was greeted with the warm hospitality that remains a hallmark of the island nation, signaling the commencement of a tour that is as strategically significant as it is historically groundbreaking. This particular excursion represents a pivotal juncture for New Zealand Cricket, as it constitutes the inaugural occasion upon which a Women’s ‘A’ side from the nation has embarked upon a comprehensive tour of the Asian continent, thereby facilitating a vital opportunity for emerging athletes to test their mettle within the demanding and distinct subcontinental conditions. The expedition, meticulously organised to foster developmental depth within the New Zealand ranks while providing high-quality competition for the host nation’s ...

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