Promoting Himalayan Charm: Nepal Embassy's Tourism Event in Colombo

The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo recently orchestrated a tourism promotion event under the banner “Discover the Himalayan Wonder: The event was named “Discover the Cultural Heritage.” It was a great success in terms of attendance as many travel agents, journalists, and business people from both Sri Lanka and Nepal attended.

At this function, Nepal's Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Basudev Mishra, underscored the critical function of tourism in the rejuvenation of the economies of both countries and urged for teamwork in the improvement of the tourism sector. He also provided a friendly invitation to Sri Lankans to appreciate the warm hospitality of Nepal, highlighting the country’s attractive tourism packages and the value for money.

He further announced that an Investment Summit is set for May and urged the Sri Lankan business community to build bonds with Nepalese businesses through investment and business.

Sri Lankan participants talked a lot about places of high cultural and religious interest, like Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born. Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma who is the Managing Director of Nepal's Adventure Outdoor Trek and Expedition Company shared his views on Nepal's wide range of tourism destinations other than just religious sites at this forum. He pointed out the rising popularity of adventure tourism and called upon Sri Lankan tourists to savor the beauty of the different landscapes of Nepal by taking part in activities such as hiking and wildlife exploration.

While the eventful day was on, the products and the tourism information of the Nepalese business were put on display. Cultural videos depicting the most popular tourist destinations, traditional Nepalese culture and music were also incorporated.

Nepali entrepreneurs are sure to come up with more ideas and initiatives to attract Sri Lankan tourists and are optimistic about the same. They were exciting with value-added travel packages and customized for Sri Lankan travelers.

Brief Overview of Nepal-Srilanka Relations:

Nepal and Sri Lanka first opened the doors to diplomatic engagement on the first day of July 1957. Fostering a relationship steeped in friendship, mutual respect, and collaborative spirit, the two nations have formed pivotal touchpoints in their partnership:

• Diplomatic Bridges: 

In 1975, Nepal marked its presence in Colombo by inaugurating an Honorary Consulate General, which was later elevated to a full-fledged Embassy of Nepal in 1995. Sri Lanka reciprocated with the establishment of its residential embassy in Kathmandu in 1993.

• Alignment in International Arenas: 

As co-founders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), both countries extend their partnership into another regional platform, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Their synergy is further visible across global stages such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and World Trade Organization where they often share common perspectives and work in concert.

• Eminent Exchanges: 

The durability of their bilateral ties is augmented through exchanges at the highest political echelons:
- Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena partook in Nepal's 4th BIMSTEC Summit in 2018.
- Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari graced International Vesak Day's finale hosted in Kandy, Sri Lanka, in May 2017.
- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka attended both the 18th SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu in November 2014 and revisited Nepal once again in March 2009.

• An Agreement for Joint Endeavors: 

The state visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Nepal culminated in March 2009 with an accord to initiate a Joint Commission steered by Foreign Ministers. Their collaborative scope spans across trade, economy, agriculture, industrial development, infrastructure, science and technology, and investment avenues.

• Trade Interactions: 

Although a bilateral trade agreement was penned back in April 1979, trade volume between Nepal and Sri Lanka has remained comparatively small. In 2019, Nepal's exports to Sri Lanka primarily included woolen fabrics and printed literature. Conversely, Sri Lankan imports featured a variety such as livestock, dairy delights, coffee blends, and healthcare apparatus. Over time, this trade dynamic has seen its share of ups and downs.

• Cultural Unity through Spirituality: 

The sacred site of Lumbini where Shakyamuni Buddha was born is a beacon for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims yearly; thus fortifying spiritual and cultural bonds.

To encapsulate, Nepal and Sri Lanka enjoy a congenial rapport bolstering one another across multifarious fields for their shared prosperity.