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 technology designed to make public services more efficient.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner and Data Torque management discussed areas where the company could potentially collaborate with organisations in Sri Lanka. No specific agreement was announced, but the conversation created an opportunity to explore future cooperation and identify areas of mutual interest.

The discussions are relevant to Sri Lanka’s wider interest in strengthening its digital economy and attracting international expertise. Technology companies with experience in public-sector transformation can play a role in supporting more efficient services, stronger digital infrastructure and improved access for citizens and businesses.

Illustrative image generated for this article. It does not depict the actual Data Torque visit.

High Commissioner briefs executives on Sri Lanka

High Commissioner Gamage briefed Data Torque’s management on economic and political developments in Sri Lanka. He also discussed relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, giving the company’s leadership a broader understanding of the current bilateral environment.

Diplomatic visits of this kind provide an important channel for sharing information directly with international businesses. For companies considering opportunities in Sri Lanka, discussions with diplomatic representatives can help explain the country’s economic priorities, business environment and emerging sectors.

The meeting also placed attention on Sri Lanka’s information technology sector. Sri Lanka has a growing pool of technology professionals and a strong international network of people working in software, engineering, data services and digital business.

For overseas companies, these links can provide access to professional knowledge, local relationships and a better understanding of how to approach potential projects in Sri Lanka.

At the same time, engagement with international firms can help Sri Lankan institutions and businesses learn from global experience. Partnerships in technology are often developed through a series of conversations, professional introductions and exploratory meetings before formal projects are agreed.

Sri Lankan IT professionals welcomed at the meeting

An important part of the visit was High Commissioner Gamage’s meeting with Sri Lankan IT professionals employed by Data Torque.

The discussion gave the professionals an opportunity to share their experiences of working in New Zealand and to discuss the development of Sri Lanka’s IT sector. It also reflected the valuable contribution made by Sri Lankan professionals living and working overseas.

Sri Lankans abroad continue to build careers across a wide range of industries, including information technology, finance, healthcare, education, engineering and business. Their experience can support links between their countries of residence and Sri Lanka through knowledge-sharing, investment, mentoring and professional cooperation.

The meeting also demonstrated how diaspora professionals can act as a bridge between business communities. Sri Lankan technology workers in New Zealand may understand both the expectations of international employers and the opportunities available in Sri Lanka. This knowledge can be useful when companies examine potential partnerships, recruitment arrangements, technology projects or investment opportunities.

Illustrative image generated for this article. It does not depict the actual Data Torque staff or meeting.

Why digital transformation matters to Sri Lanka

Digital transformation is increasingly important for governments and businesses around the world. It involves using technology to improve how organisations collect information, deliver services, manage records and communicate with the public.

In the area of tax administration, modern digital systems can support online services, more efficient processing and improved communication with taxpayers. They can also help revenue authorities manage information more consistently and identify areas that require attention.

Data Torque’s focus on revenue management and tax transformation made it a relevant organisation for discussions about potential cooperation in Sri Lanka. The company’s international experience may offer useful insight into the challenges involved in updating complex public-sector systems.

Any future collaboration would need to be assessed through the appropriate technical, legal and institutional processes. The Wellington meeting was an initial opportunity to consider where the company’s capabilities may align with Sri Lanka’s priorities.

The significance of the visit therefore extends beyond one company. It reflects the role that international technology firms, diplomatic missions and Sri Lankan professionals can play in creating practical business connections.

Illustrative image generated for this article. It represents digital business collaboration and does not show an actual government system.

A positive example of diaspora and business engagement

For the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand, the visit offered a positive example of how professional achievement and cultural connection can work together.

Sri Lankan professionals living overseas often maintain strong links with their homeland while contributing to the economies and communities where they live. Official visits that include engagement with diaspora professionals help recognise this contribution and create space for further dialogue.

The same principle applies across the wider global Sri Lankan community. Sri Lankans in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are active in business, technology and public life. British Sri Lankan professionals, for example, contribute to the United Kingdom’s technology and professional services sectors while continuing to support cultural, educational and commercial links with Sri Lanka.

These connections are also part of the broader story of Sri Lankan culture abroad. Cultural identity is expressed not only through festivals, food and language, but also through professional networks, community leadership and international cooperation.

Readers interested in related community developments can explore elanka’s Articles section, as well as its coverage of associations and organisations in the UK and community events.

Potential opportunities for the future

The meeting between High Commissioner Gamage and Data Torque executives may support further conversations about business opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Potential areas for future discussion could include technology partnerships, digital public services, revenue administration, professional knowledge-sharing and opportunities for Sri Lankan IT specialists. However, these remain areas for exploration rather than confirmed outcomes from the visit.

The meeting also underlines the value of direct engagement. International business relationships are strengthened when decision-makers can exchange information, understand each other’s priorities and identify practical areas of cooperation.

For Sri Lanka, engagement with New Zealand companies can help raise awareness of the country’s IT capabilities and investment opportunities. For New Zealand businesses, learning more about Sri Lanka’s economy and technology sector can support informed decisions about future projects.

For the Sri Lankan diaspora, such initiatives offer another way to remain connected to the country’s development. Professionals working abroad can contribute through their expertise, networks and understanding of international markets.

Connecting Sri Lanka and New Zealand

High Commissioner Prasanna Gamage’s visit to Data Torque brought together diplomacy, technology and diaspora engagement in a single professional setting.

The discussions covered potential business collaboration, Sri Lanka’s economic and political developments, bilateral relations, the country’s IT sector and the contribution of Sri Lankan professionals working in New Zealand.

While no formal partnership was announced, the visit represented a constructive step in exploring how international business expertise and Sri Lankan professional talent can support future opportunities.

It is a story that will interest Sri Lankans around the world, including those in the UK and the wider British Sri Lankan community. As Sri Lanka continues to develop its digital economy, relationships with technology companies and overseas professionals may become increasingly important.

For further information about Data Torque’s international work, readers can visit the company’s official website. Information about Sri Lanka’s diplomatic representation in New Zealand is available through the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Wellington.

Original source

This article is based on the report published by Wellington News:

“Sri Lankan High Commissioner Visits Wellington IT Company” – Wellington News