
People from around 120 countries have migrated to New Zealand. Modern Zealanders (Kiwis) deserve more admiration than the previous generations of New Zealanders for being so open-hearted, and friendly as they are ready to accommodate all irrespective of racial or cultural differences.
It is possible to set up a church or temple by any sect of people in any place, at any time with no difficulty. This country does not tolerate communalism or religious or caste divisions. This is one of the most peaceful and corruption-free countries.
Most of the migrants are from countries like England, China, India, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, Fiji, and Samoa. Usually, the wealthy class of Europe, South Korea, the Middle East, and America migrate to New Zealand to live happily in retirement Many Sri Lankans living in New Zealand enjoy happy and fulfilled lives. It is heartening to see that numerous programs aimed at uniting Sri Lankans are being carried out by Sinhala organisations, even though Sri Lankans make up only 0.03 percent of the entire population.
But until 2020, we,Sri Lankans did not have a newspaper of our own. The writer came across a Sinhala newspaper consisting of short stories, poems, current news, and information about Sri Lankan children residing in New Zealand around three years ago, in May 2020 when the country was under lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Sri LankaNZ was started by Harsha Weerakoon and his wife, a couple currently residing in Wellington making use of their own funds. Weerakoon, who had previously worked as a Production Executive at the ANCL and then for a brief period at the Gulf News, used his knowledge and experience in the industry to launch the newspaper. Currently, he is employed as a Supervising Officer in Stuff NZ, a leading newspaper and media company in New Zealand.
To mark its third anniversary, a new supplement “Lanka NZ Business Hub” too is issued with the newspaper to facilitate the Sri Lankan service providers to meet the Sri Lankan service receivers (clients). Advertising charges are even lesser than the printing cost.
Weerakkoon is an old boy of Ananda College, Colombo, and was born in Mount Lavinia. His maternal grandfather is the brother of Dr. S.A. Wickremasinghe, a well-respected gentleman in the South. Weerakkoon was well supported by his beloved wife, Anu, who is also a writer in starting this newspaper. She served as a lecturer at the University of Colombo. Her father was a famous teacher cum writer who had worked with Arisen Ahubudhu in Hela Havula.
Sri LankaNZ which celebrated its third anniversary recently is distributed to all cities of New Zealand free of charge. All writers attached to the newspaper are Sri Lankans living in New Zealand. The editorial board, as well as the entire team, work as volunteers without receiving any compensation. The 32- page- newspaper includes news and articles in both English and Sinhala. Advertisements are limited to 25 percent in order to improve the quality of the content.
As of today, this institution has been named as a charity institution. There are many Sri Lankans who contribute to the success of the newspaper in various capacities. Sponsorship and support received from many New Zealand businessmen are praiseworthy. It is a clear indication that the newspaper is becoming popular among Sri Lankans living in New Zealand.
K.A.B. Krunaratne, a prominent writer, is the current Editor of the newspaper. He served as a Senior Manager of the Bank of Ceylon in the Ratnapura Region. cc