In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal together with the Buddhist Monastery Association of Lalitpur organized a Special Programme with Speakers at the Hotel Himalaya on Tuesday, 19th December 2017.
The Rt. Hon. Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice-President of Nepal graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Most Ven. Maitri Thero, President of All Nepal Bhikku Association, Hon. Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalithpur, Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Ms. Swarna Perera, Mr. Naresh Man Badracharya, Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University and Mr. Pushpa Rathna Shakya, President of Buddhist Monastery Association of Lalitpur were the speakers at this programme.
Over 150 guests, including Foreign Ministry Officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Academics, Buddhist Scholars, Representatives of International organisations, Journalists, Businessmen and members of the Sri Lankan Community were present at the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Most Ven. Maitri Thero briefed the gathering how Buddhism was introduced to Nepal from Sri Lanka. The Vice Chancellor of the Lumbini Buddhist University underscored the importance of cooperation between Buddhist educational institutions in Nepal and Sri Lanka in order to further strengthen religious ties.
Ambassador Swarna Perera, spoke about the relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal focusing on the past sixty years.
While congratulating the holding of the event, Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said that the friendship could be further developed in the future and added that the relations between the two countries were not only limited to bilateral affairs, but Nepal and Sri Lanka were also working closely in regional forums, such as SAARC, BIMSTEC and multilateral forums.
Sri Lankan and Nepali dances were performed in between the programme.
Sri Lankan refreshments were served to the well-wishers at the end of the programme.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kathmandu
20th December 2017
