Sri Lankan New Zealanders

Sri Lankan New Zealanders
Total population
16,830 (2018)
Regions with significant populations
Most in Auckland, Wellington, with smaller populations in Waikato, Manawatū-Whanganui, Canterbury and elsewhere
Languages
English, Sinhalese, Tamil
Religion
45.9% Buddhism
23.9% Christianity
16.1% Hinduism
7.9% No religion
3.9% Islam
Related ethnic groups
Sri Lankan people

Sri Lankan New Zealanders , also known informally as “Sriwis”, are New Zealanders of Sri Lankan heritage living in New Zealand. This includes at least three Sri Lankan ethnic groups in New Zealand: the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamil and Burghers. Sri Lankans in New Zealand span over 140 years emigration. In 2013 there were 9,579 Sri Lankans in New Zealand, increasing to 16,830 in 2018, and 23,661 in 2023.