Ministry Spokesperson Krishna Prasad Dhakal stated that the necessary protocol and security arrangements will be provided during his stay, given his status as a former head of state. Wickremesinghe’s itinerary includes private meetings and a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, which holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide. He is scheduled to depart Nepal on January 1.
Nepal and Sri Lanka have shared robust diplomatic relations since their establishment on July 1, 1957. Nepal opened an honorary consulate general in Colombo in 1975, followed by the establishment of its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has maintained a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993.
Both nations are founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and participate actively in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). They also collaborate on various international platforms, including the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the World Trade Organization.
Lumbini remains a focal point of Nepal-Sri Lanka relations, attracting thousands of Sri Lankan pilgrims annually. Sri Lanka has significantly contributed to the development of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as a center for global peace and understanding. The Sri Lankan government has built a monastery and rest house complex in Lumbini, symbolizing the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations.
Wickremesinghe’s visit underscores the continued goodwill and mutual respect shared by Nepal and Sri Lanka, further enhancing the long-standing relationship.
27th Dec 2024
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