Lumbini airport will enhance Nepal – SL pilgrimage tourism – ambassador
Relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation, says Mr. Bashu Dev Mishra, the Nepal ambassador in Sri Lanka.
The ambassador said this during a reception held in Colombo yesterday (21) to mark the Constitution Day and National Day of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The event was attended by diplomats, politicians and officials.
Noting that Sri Lanka and Nepal established diplomatic relations on July 01, 1957 and signed their first air service agreement in 1977, the ambassador noted that the two capital cities are now connected by air courtesy of Sri Lanka Airlines.
“As Gautam Buddha international airport, which is in the vicinity of Lumbini has been recently completed, direct air connection to the airport from Sri Lanka will surely enhance pilgrimage tourism between the two countries,” he said.The ambassador noted that Nepal offers tourism a multitude of experiences from adventure tourism to eco-tourism and religious tourism.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Minister of Public Security – Tiran Alles said that cultural tourism between the countries is one the areas which needs to be revived towards its full potential.”Towards this end, I understand preparations are underway to hold the inaugural session of the joint commission between the two countries at Foreign ministers level this year. This initiative I am sure is bound to offer fresh impetus to further elevate our relations particularly in the areas of trade, investment and culture for the mutual benefits of our people,” he said.
“Tourism has greatly helped to build bridges of friendship between Sri Lanka and Nepal. The commencement of direct flight operations from Colombo to Kathmandu from August 2021 by Sri Lankan Airlines has given renewed hope for improved tourism, trade and investment links. These collective initiatives by our two countries add the potential to attract Buddhist devotees from all over the world and enhance the visibility of South Asia’s Buddhist heritage,” he added.The minister also stated that the efforts of promoting Sri Lanka – Nepal relations have gained momentum since the assumption of duties by Basu Dev Mishra as the Nepal ambassador.
