New Zealand to encourage more kiwis to visit Sri Lanka

New Zealand says it is committed to playing its part to encourage more kiwis to visit Sri Lanka by supporting the development of a sustainable and inclusive industry.

High Commissioner David Pine noted that, ?with tourism playing a vital role in rebuilding Sri Lanka?s economy, we?re committed to playing our part by encouraging more kiwis to visit and by supporting the development of a sustainable and inclusive industry.

The New Zealand High Commission, Sri Lanka-Australia-New Zealand-Business Council (SLANZBC), Sri Lanka Cricket and Soul Sounds, held the flagship event of a three month long initiative called Pitch to Pitch in Colombo today, at a farewell event for the Sri Lanka Women?s Cricket Team, ahead of their 2025 Tour of Aotearoa New Zealand. The event was graced by Guest of Honour Ms Yasoja Gunasekera, Additional Secretary ? East Asia, Middle East & Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, along with the participation of other senior government officials, representatives of the diplomatic missions, leading businesspersons, academia, civil society, and media.

Pitch to Pitch is a programme of events celebrating the achievements of talented Sri Lankan women in New Zealand – recognizing the role that groups like these, play in promoting the Sri Lankan brand abroad. It is a co-designed, collaboration involving the efforts and creativity of many people and organizations including Capital Maharaja Group, Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Fonterra Brands Lanka, Indira Cancer Trust, Island Leisure Lanka, Nelna Agri Development, Singhalese Sports Club, Central HR Solutions, SOS Children?s Villages ? Sri Lanka, Spa Ceylon, Sriland Osu Vastra, Taprobane Seafood, Team
Sheneller, Unitum Lanka, and WISH Foundation.

Speaking about the Sri Lanka Women?s Cricket Team, Rumesh Ratnayake, Head Coach noted that they are truly representative of Sri Lanka, ?the players are from all walks of life; cricket is a pathway for almost all of them. They want to make Sri Lanka proud of them at home and to take Sri Lanka to the world. That?s the thing that ignites them and makes them want to do well.?

Soundarie David Rodrigo, Founder and Music Director ? Soul Sounds, echoed this sentiment about the power of their groups representing Sri Lanka abroad, ?if we as Sri Lankans do what we are naturally inclined to do we will be great brand ambassadors for our country. When we went to New Zealand people loved us not just for the singing but because we reached out with our smiles and hospitality.?That is something special about us as Sri Lankans.?

Between 04-18 March 2025, the current Asia Cup (Sri Lanka) holders will play against the ICC T20 World Cup Champions (New Zealand). Wishing the teams good luck in New Zealand, High Commissioner David Pine noted that, ?with tourism playing a vital role in rebuilding Sri Lanka?s economy, we?re committed to playing our part by encouraging more kiwis to visit and by supporting the development of a sustainable and inclusive industry. High profile touring groups like Soul Sounds and the national cricket team raise awareness of the things Sri Lanka has to offer.?

The Pitch to Pitch programme consists of seven events, of which four have already taken place. The initiative will be continuing in New Zealand and in Sri Lanka upon the cricket team?s return, with select activities, aimed at promoting Sri Lanka in New Zealand and helping to boost Sri Lanka?s tourism brand.