KATHMANDU: The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav today. During the meeting held at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur on Monday, the two leaders discussed various dimensions of bilateral relations.

Vice President Yadav emphasized that the relationship between Nepal and Sri Lanka has continuously expanded since the establishment of diplomatic ties in July 1957, remaining rooted in friendship, harmony, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

He noted that the deep cultural, religious, and people-to-people connections, particularly through Buddhism, have further strengthened these bilateral ties, and expressed Nepal’s deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s contribution to developing Lumbini as a fountainhead of world peace.

Highlighting that Lumbini remains a sacred destination for Sri Lankan pilgrims, Vice President Yadav stated that while the Kathmandu-Colombo direct flights have already eased travel, the newly operational Colombo-Bhairahawa direct flights via Gautam Buddha International Airport would further encourage tourism.

He also expressed happiness over Sri Lanka’s recent decision to grant free tourist visas to Nepalese citizens, aligning with the facility Nepal has already been extending to Sri Lankan tourists, which he believes will boost tourist flow and solidify people-to-people ties.

Assuring that Nepal holds its nearly seven-decade-long relationship with Sri Lanka in high regard, the Vice President expressed confidence that mutual respect and shared culture will continue to strengthen future cooperation.

In response, Ambassador Delpitiya reaffirmed the historic and friendly bonds between the two nations, highlighting untapped potential in trade and tourism. She also proposed the establishment of a ‘Tourism School’ to facilitate internship exchanges for students from both countries to further enhance tourism development.