Lanka looks to forge strategic economic and rugby partnership with NZ

During the recent visit of Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama to New Zealand, where he was hosted by the Minister of Trade, Todd Mcclay, the possibility of a strategic economic partnership between the two countries was discussed.   

Minister Samarawickrama also met representatives of New Zealand Rugby and discussed a partnership opportunity between Sri Lanka Rugby and New Zealand Rugby.  New Zealand Rugby has now followed up with a proposal to assist in the growth and awareness of rugby in Sri Lanka.

Minister Samarawickrama will discuss the proposal with Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera, Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando and Sri Lanka rugby officials.  The areas New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks can collaborate on with Sri Lanka Rugby to provide resources, IP and experience to accelerate Sri Lanka’s rugby ambitions include: Game development strategy; All Blacks branded coaching clinics and tools; Competition and professional rugby structures; Game understanding and educational content for fans; Team exchanges and placement opportunities and Sending of New Zealand development teams to Sri Lanka.