Lanka continues to develop Lumbini, FM tells Nepal counterpart
The Government continues its efforts to develop Lumbini, the birth
place of the Buddha, in view of the immense socio-religious significance
the place holds for Sri Lankans and Buddhists the world over. Foreign
Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said. Bogollagama said so when Nepal
Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav called on him yesterday on the sidelines
of the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Boy of Bengal Initiative for
Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
The Nepal Foreign Minister while thanking the Sri Lanka Government
noted that around 45,000 Sri Lankans visit Lumbini every year.
Both Foreign Ministers noted at the outset that delegations from the
two countries have had the benefit of discussions on a regular basis
which is an indication of the close bilateral relations. The Nepal side
in particular noted that the regular interactions and visits at the
Foreign Ministers' level have served immensely to augment the bilateral
relationship.
The Nepal side thanked Sri Lanka for the extended cooperation in
assisting the health and education sectors in Nepal. The two ministers
emphasised the need for a private sector focus in further developing
mutual links, especially in the trade and aviation sectors. It was
agreed that both countries would convene a Sri Lanka-Nepal Joint
Commission that would take stock of and serve to develop the whole
spectrum of the bilateral relationship. The Joint Commission, which
would be convened at the Ministerial level, would be the first ever Sri
Lanka - Nepal Joint Commission. Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the
Nepal Foreign Minister on the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in
combating terrorism and bringing democracy to all parts of the country.
He also outlined the efforts taken towards constitutional reforms
through the All Party Representative Committee.
Minister Bogollagama on behalf of President Rajapaksa, conveyed an
invitation for the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal to
undertake a State visit to Sri Lanka.
The Nepal Foreign Minister also conveyed an invitation, on behalf of
the Prime Minister of Nepal, for President Rajapaksa to undertake a
State visit to Nepal. |