New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka
Posted on March 24th, 2017
Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM, Spokesperson,United Sri Lanka Association, Wellington, New Zealand
To.
Rt. Hon. Bill English MP,
Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Dear Mr.English,
We write to convey the congratulations and delight of the Sri Lankan community in NZ, at your announcing your decision to establish a High Commission in Sri Lanka.
We have no doubt this will be mutually beneficial in improving trade and good will between our two countries that share a similar outlook on many matters including trade, sport, travel and tourism, and our democratic and secular way of life.
We are also confident, the establishment of High Commissions between our two countries will enhance activity in all of these areas for the good of both countries.
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight that improving air access between our two countries will significantly enhance the prospect of achieving all of these goals ,particularly trade and travel.
Right now air access from New Zealand to Sri Lanka is via Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong adding unnecessary distance and time. The irony is that there are five flights, four by Emirates air line and one by Qatar airlines that leave Auckland every night and flies over Sri Lanka and Colombo,on their way to their respective Middle East destinations. If at least one of them could be persuaded to stop in Sri Lanka, this unnecessary time and distance could be avoided at little additional cost, while also enhancing the returns for the airline.
We urge you to explore achieving this as a part of your efforts to improve activity between our two countries.
With our thanks and best wishes once again,
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Chula Rajapakse MNZM
Spokesperson,
United Sri Lanka Association,
Wellington,
New Zealand