Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 29 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day celebration as the Chief Guest at an event organised by the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo today (29 May) at the Waters Edge Hotel, Colombo, under the theme "Sagarmatha - Identity and Pride of Nepal."
The event celebrated the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Nepal while promoting cultural and tourism cooperation. Mr. Vijay Kumar Raut, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo, received the Deputy Minister upon his arrival at the venue.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Nepal's Sagarmatha, known globally as Mount Everest, symbolises courage, endurance and unity. He also recalled the historic 1953 ascent by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, achieved on a day such as today.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Jayasekara highlighted the deep rooted historical, cultural, and Buddhist ties shared between Sri Lanka and Nepal. He noted that the two nations have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1957 and continue to cooperate closely through regional platforms such as SAARC and BIMSTEC.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the vision of "Peak-to-Ocean" tourism corridor aimed at linking Nepal's Himalayan attractions with Sri Lanka's coastal tourism experiences. He further noted that both countries envision creating a seamless tourism corridor enabling global travelers to experience the Himalayas and then relax on Sri Lanka's pristine beaches within a few days.
The distinguished attendees included the Guest of Honour, Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Hon. Governor of the Western Province, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
