Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini

Nepal and Sri Lanka discuss development of Lumbini

Sri Lanka and Nepal agreed today (August 1) to develop Lumbini as the most attractive and sacred tourist destination in the South Asia region during talks between the leaders of the two countries.

This was decided when Nepal's Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala who arrived in the island to take part the in 15th SAARC Summit to be held on August 2 and 3, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

This was the first bilateral between South Asian leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. President Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that he had made this proposal many years ago when he was only a Member of Parliament.

The Nepali leader briefed President Rajapaksa about the development of the Lumbini Airport and its importance in developing tourism in the area.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gauthama,is held sacred by Buddhists all over the world.