Fourteen Students, One Island: Paraparaumu College’s Leadership Programme Brings New Zealand Youth to Sri Lanka Photograph: Colombo Gazette Fourteen students and three teachers from Paraparaumu College in New Zealand are preparing to travel to Sri Lanka for a 14-day leadership training programme beginning on 3 December 2026. Ahead of the visit, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Prasanna Gamage, hosted the delegation for a briefing on the country they are about to explore. None of the students had visited Sri Lanka before. The meeting offered them an introduction to the island’s history, culture, cuisine, geography and socio-economic landscape, as well as an opportunity to ask questions directly. Their programme will combine leadership development with visits to Negombo, Galle, Ella, Kandy and Wasgamuwa. The visit is a warm example of the connections behind Sri Lanka–New Zealand relations: not only official engagement, but also learning and exchange between young people. A ...

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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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