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'title' => 'Nepal-Sri Lanka: The Half Century Bond',
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation.
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.
Trade and Commercial Relations
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.
Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:
Tourists from Sri Lanka
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini.
Air Services Agreement
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu.
Joint Venture
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka.
Joint Economic Commission
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.
Exchange of Visits
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.
“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”
W.M. Senevirathna
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal
How is your experience in diplomatic career?
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal.
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF].
You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions?
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini.
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal.
How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.
Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal
What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.
Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.
What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.
There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.
Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience?
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war.
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators.
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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'description' => 'Diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st of July, 1957. Both the Countries are bound by warm and friendly economic, cultural and political relations.',
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'title' => 'Nepal-Sri Lanka: The Half Century Bond',
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'content' => '<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
</p>',
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr />
<p>
<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<div align="center">
<div>
<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
<div>
<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
<div>
I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
<div>
During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
<div>
The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
<div>
As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
<div>
Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
<div>
We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>
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<div>
<strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br5%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 452px;" />Diplomatic relations betweenNepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established 57 years ago on 1st July 1957. Relations between the two countries are marked by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal opened an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975 and established its embassy in 1995. Sri Lanka has a residential embassy in Kathmandu since 1993. Nepal and Sri Lanka are the founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and are also the members of another regional organization called Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Both countries share similar views on many international issues and work closely in various international forums such as the UN, NAM, WTO, etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Trade and Commercial Relations</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka concluded bilateral trade agreement on 3 April 1979. Despite this agreement, trade between the two countries is not up to the desired level due to, among other things, higher cost of transportation, lack of conducive environment for business, lack of interests on the part of business people etc.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka</span></strong></div>
<div>
Sri Lankas’ major exports to Nepal are cocoa and cocoa preparations, coffee, tea, spices, electrical machinery and equipment, parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, cereal preparations, flour, starch or milk pastry cooking products, sugar and sugar confectionery, miscellaneous edible preparations, apparel articles and clothing accessories- knitted or crocheted , edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sri Lanka’s major imports from Nepal are grains (lentils). Other import items, though insignificant, are plastic articles, articles of wood charcoal , carpets and other floor coverings, art work, collectors' pieces and antiques, electrical machinery and equipment and parts of sound recorders and reproducers, television, printed books, newspapers, pictures and products related to the printing industry, manuscripts, raw hides, skins (other than fur skins), leather and so on.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The trade figure for the past four years between Nepal and Sri Lanka has been as follows:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Nepal’s Trade with Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(7).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 408px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Tourists from Sri Lanka</strong></span></div>
<div>
Lumbini is one of the holiest destinations to the Sri Lankan Buddhists. Sri Lankan government has been reiterating its support to Nepal’s efforts to further develop Lumbini as a City of World Peace. Sri Lanka has constructed rest house for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims and a Monastery Complex in Lumbini. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Tourist Arrival to Nepal from Sri Lanka" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Air Services Agreement </strong></span></div>
<div>
With the aim to increase tourists flow from either country through direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Colombo, Nepal and Sri Lanka had signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 19 February 1977. On 23 November 2004, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both nations in Colombo for reviewing and replacing the previous agreement. The Air Service Agreement and additional MOU on increasing the air seats and providing fifth freedom rights to Sri Lankan airlines was agreed at the negotiations held during 22-24 January 2009, in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="TidBits" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 342px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Venture </strong></span></div>
<div>
In the 1990’s the Sri Lankan Bank of Ceylon opened a joint venture bank in Nepal. However the Sri Lankan bank withdrew later due to what they call as unfavourable circumstances. Presently some commercial banks operate between the two countries. Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and some of Nepal’s private sector bank have close links. In October, 2013 delegation of Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka visited Nepal. Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has been established for easing joint ventures and trade between both nations. Nepali investors have invested over $ 200 million in Sri Lanka’s hotel and leisure sector like the Hotel Taj Samundra and Grand Oriental Hotel. Binod Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group is planning to invest US $ 100m for setting up cement plant and some leisure projects in coastal area of Sri Lanka. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joint Economic Commission</strong></span></div>
<div>
Nepal and Sri Lanka has signed an Agreement on March 2-4, 2009 to establish Joint Economic Commission to be led by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. The agreement contains provisions for cooperation in areas of trade, finance, agriculture, industry, development of infrastructure, science and technology, investment and other matters mutually agreed upon. The first meeting of JEC is to be held in Colombo.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
Exchange of high-level visits from both sides at various levels has contributed in elevating existing bilateral relations to new heights and have proved highly productive for creating an conducive atmosphere for upgrading mutual trade and commercial relations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="Highlights of Nepal- Sri Lanka Relation" src="/userfiles/images/br4%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 565px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
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<strong style="font-size: 18px;">“We are entering into tourism cooperation with Nepal”</strong></p>
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<img alt="W.M. Senevirathna, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1a1%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 233px;" /></td>
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<strong>W.M. Senevirathna</strong></div>
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<em>Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How is your experience in diplomatic career? </strong></span></div>
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I have come to serve in Nepal, one of the world’s beautiful landmass filled with hospitable and friendly people. Sri Lanka and Nepal both have lot of similarities like culture, religion, food, friendliness and hospitability. I joined government service first as a graduate teacher in 1979 in Vidumina Piriven College, Kandy and joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as an Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo in 1985. Since then, I have worked in ten Sri Lankan diplomatic missions including West Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, USA, Canada, and Iraq. I have served as Sri Lankan ambassador to the Philippines, Israel and Nepal. </div>
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Apart from this I have worked at the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka for a short period. I was the Vice Chairman (2006) and Chairman (2007) of the Governing Board of the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) in Manila. I have represented Sri Lanka in various regional and international conferences such as South Asian Association for Regional Conferences [SAARC], World Bank, International Natural Rubber Organization [INRO] and Asian Regional Forum [ARF]. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have been in Nepal for nearly a year now. How are your impressions? </strong></span></div>
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During this time I have met and interacted with Nepal’s senior government officials, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen and exchanged views at various levels. Within this one-year tenure, many high level delegations from Sri Lanka have visited Nepal, especially Lumbini. </div>
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Nepal is such a beautiful country filled with lots of historical sites, mountains, and other natural resources. During my stay here, I have travelled to different parts of this country; Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan. I have trekked from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel and done rafting in Trishuli and Dolalghat. I have visited Chitlang and had an opportunity to interact with the friendly people of the village. I have also visited historical places such as Bhaktapur, Durbar Square that have masterpieces of skilful architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved ancient monuments that represent the living cultural heritage of Nepal. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you evaluate the last elections and where do you see the country heading to next? How will the polls and the outcome affect regional peace and stability and Nepal’s relations with Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
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The Constituent Assembly election held on 19th November 2013 was a new step towards the development of the country. The election was conducted in a very peaceful environment and was appreciated by local and foreign observers. Asian Network for Free Elections [ANFREL], Carter Foundations and other observers from different countries took part. The Nepali government had invited SAARC observers to visit and observe the election. Two delegations from the Sri Lankan Election Commission had observed the election. Out of the total 12.1 million population, 9.4 million people casted votes. It is a turnout of 78%, which is very high. As the election was a success, the constitution of Nepal can be finalized.</div>
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As a representative of the Sri Lankan Government, we respect Nepali people’s mandate. Political stability will enhance peace and socio economic development of a country. Nepal Stock market Index NEPSE passed 700 points after the election. This reflected investors confidence in the government.</div>
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Benefits of the election include inflow of Foreign Direct Investments [FDI] and representation in regional and international conferences, such as hosting the SAARC Summit in the coming year.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Despite signing bilateral trade agreement in 1979, business between the two nations is quite low, less than 2 billion NRs in the last financial year [exports and imports together]. Why still insignificant?</strong></span></div>
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Trade between the two countries has remained at a low level. The Sri Lankan and the Nepali government have taken important steps in the economic and tourist sectors with an aim to increase the volume of bilateral trade, investment and tourism. Various issues have limited bilateral trade between both countries. Limitations include the high cost of transportation and lack of direct air connectivity. These limitations have limited the volume of import and export. Both countries produce and export the same crops and commodities. However, Sri Lanka imports carpets, woollen clothes and lentils from Nepal and exports cocoa, cocoa preparations, table and kitchenware, tea, gem and jewellery to Nepal</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What specific measures do you suggest for enhancing the business relations and total value and volume of business between the two nations?</strong></span></div>
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The total value and volume of trade between the two nations is not satisfactory due to the various reasons. Primarily we would like to have direct air connectivity and an exchange of business delegations to attend trade fairs. Recommending each other to attend trade fairs business forums in each other’s capital will help to interact and promote business.</div>
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I am pleased to announce that the Chaudhary Group, Nimbus, Youth Entrepreneurs, and Sagarmatha Insurance have already taken steps in this regard. They have visited Sri Lanka and taken part in business forums to extend their business. Similarly, various Sri Lankan companies are taking part in Nepali trade fairs to expand their business here.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Arrival of Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, especially to Lumbini, has crossed 75,000 a year. What trends and numbers you expect in near future? How can Nepal tourism be promoted in Sri Lanka?</strong></span></div>
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As you are perhaps aware, 70% of the Sri Lankan population is Buddhists. Being Buddhist, they would like to see the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, “Gautam Buddha” with the excavation at the Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini. Sri Lankan visitors are keen to visit Lumbini, Nepal and want to experience the beauty Nepal offers.</div>
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We are in a process to enter into tourism cooperation agreement with the Nepali government so that it will be easy for Sri Lankan tourist to visit Lumbini.</div>
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Through tailored tour packages to Lumbini and historical Buddhist places, Nepal can attract Sri Lankan and other nation tourists. More than 5000 Sri Lankan tourist visit to Kathmandu by air and I would like to inform that Sri Lanka Tourist are the number one travellers to Lumbini. If tour packages and facilities are provided, we hope to see the numbers exceed 1000,000.</div>
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The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal with support of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is arranging a familiarization tour to Sri Lanka for Nepal Tour Operator Association in 2014. I think Nepal should prepare some awareness programme, for example tour packages and other facility to attract Sri Lanka tourists.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to upgrade tourism and facilities in Lumbini?</strong></span></div>
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Sri Lanka and Nepal signed the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation in 1999,to expand their cultural relationship further. Sri Lanka has agreed to assist Nepal in heritage management and proposed to establish a course on Culture and Heritage Studies at a university in Nepal.</div>
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Support has been extended for Nepali students to study Therawada Buddhismin Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka re-establishment of Therawada Buddhism in Nepal. In 1992 a pilgrims resting place, “Dutugemunu Pilgrim Rest,” was established for in Lumbini for the Sri Lankan devotees. This wasrenovated in 2012 to accommodate over 135 visitors. A bridge close to Lanka Ramaya temple at gate no. 4 of the Maya Devi Temple was constructed to making it easy for visiting the temple. Adding to, the road near the Sri Lankan Temple, which is shortest access to Mayadevi Temple, was widened. The Sri Lankan Government spent SLRS 90 million on all these projects to facilitate Sri Lankan tourists visit to Lumbini.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>There has been an air service agreement between the two nations for more than 25 years, which was upgraded recently as well. What is its status and what are the benefits of having fifth freedom rights for Sri Lankan airlines?</strong></span></div>
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Bilateral Air Service Agreement was signed during H.E. the President’s last visit to Nepal in March 2009. Lack of direct air connectivity between the two countries is one of the major barriers in promoting trade.</div>
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Code Sharing Basis will facilitate both Sri Lankan and Nepali airlines, to travel to each other’s countries. The fifth freedom right will enable Sri Lankan airlines to get passengers of other destination as well. Sri Lankan government would like to commence air connectivity in the near future and discussions in this regard are being held.</div>
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Joint Economic Commission between the two nations was formed a few years earlier. What roadmap and outcome you see of the same in the next two years?</div>
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We signed the MOU on Nepal – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in March 2009. Both countries have agreed to hold the first Joint Economic Commission meeting in Sri Lanka. We hope to conduct annual Joint Economic Commissions meet in each other’s capital.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sri Lanka has a small population, history of civil war, and difficulties in its relations with neighbours, much like Nepal. What suggestions you have for the building of new Nepal, in light of the Sri Lankan nation-building and development experience? </strong></span></div>
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Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million. There was no civil war in Sri Lanka but a terrorist war. Beginning on 23 July 1983, there was an insurgency against the government forces by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE] which fought to create a separate and independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam . 12% of the population demanded 2/3 of Coastal area and 1/3 of the total Area of the country. Government’s main policy was ‘One Country and One Nation’. After a 30 year military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, ending the terrorist war. </div>
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For over 30 years, this terrorist war caused significant hardships for the population, environment and the economy of the country. An estimated 40,000 people were killed during the war but Sri Lanka was able to sustain over 6% economic growth rate.</div>
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During the conflict period, the Sri Lanka government was able to attract Foreign Direct Investment that prioritized infrastructure development. For nation building, President of Sri Lanka requested all political parties to join hands with the government to overcome national problems. This succeeded in 2009. All political parties supported the government for boosting national economy by forgetting their political differences. As a result, Sri Lanka has positive indicators. </div>
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I wish the newly elected member of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal could get together and join hands for the formation of a stable government and serve the people of this beautiful country.</div>
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