In a significant step toward strengthening the deep-rooted cultural, spiritual, and academic ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka, Dr. Shree Prasad Bhattarai, assistant professor, and Siri Vajira, assistant professor from Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), undertook a comprehensive visit to Sri Lanka from June 30 to July 4. The visit, centered around the theme of fostering mutual growth, focused on enhancing collaboration in Buddhist education, cultural diplomacy, and tourism promotion, particularly emphasizing the shared Buddhist heritage of both nations. The delegation’s activities, which included high-level diplomatic engagements, academic discussions, and tourism-focused initiatives, underscored LBU’s commitment to positioning Nepal as a global hub for Buddhist scholarship and cultural exchange.
Participation in “Nepal and Sri Lanka: A Strategic Partnership for Mutual Benefit”
The cornerstone of the visit was the delegation’s participation in the high-profile event titled “Nepal and Sri Lanka: A Strategic Partnership for Mutual Benefit”, organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Held on June 30, 2025, at the Spice Room, Shangri-La Colombo, the event aimed to deepen spiritual, cultural, and economic tourism ties between the two nations. The program highlighted Nepal’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, with a special focus on Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as a key destination for Sri Lankan pilgrims and global tourists.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, tourism professionals, religious leaders, and scholars. Notable participants included Dr. Shree Prasad Bhattarai, representing LBU, whose expertise in Buddhist education and heritage preservation enriched discussions, and Asst. Prof. Sri Vajira Vikshu Thero, a prominent Sri Lankan monk and scholar, emphasized inter-monastic dialogue and the promotion of a shared Buddhist identity. The event commenced with university songs from Sri Lanka, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and setting a collaborative tone.
Strategic Tourism Engagements at Sancharaka Udawa 2025
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s active participation in Sancharaka Udawa 2025, Sri Lanka’s premier tourism trade fair. Engaging with over 75 tourism businesses, including hotels, tour operators, transport providers, and digital platforms, the delegation explored emerging trends and forged new connections to boost bilateral tourism. Meetings with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) focused on market trends, B2B partnerships, and strategies to enhance tourist flows between Nepal and Sri Lanka. These discussions laid the groundwork for innovative joint promotions and cross-border tour packages catering to cultural, spiritual, and leisure travelers.
The delegation also networked with hoteliers, travel technology firms, and regional tour operators to explore synergies in promoting Buddhist circuit tourism. By leveraging Nepal’s spiritual heritage, particularly Lumbini, and Sri Lanka’s Theravāda Buddhist legacy, the initiative aimed to create seamless pilgrimage and cultural tourism experiences for global travelers.
Diplomatic and Governmental Engagements
The delegation’s diplomatic efforts were marked by high-level meetings that reinforced Nepal-Sri Lanka relations. A significant engagement included discussions with Hon. Prof. Ruwan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, during the closing ceremony of Sancharaka Udawa 2025. These talks emphasized long-term tourism diplomacy and mutual promotion strategies. A courtesy meeting with H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, former President of Sri Lanka, further highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in tourism and cultural exchange.
Additionally, the delegation participated in a bilateral dialogue organized by the Nepal-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, facilitated by the Embassy of Nepal. This platform explored sustainable tourism partnerships and economic synergies, aligning with both nations’ goals of fostering regional cooperation. A formal courtesy visit to the Sri Lanka Police Headquarters symbolized cross-sector goodwill, showcasing the delegation’s commitment to comprehensive soft diplomacy.
Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Promotion
The delegation’s visit extended to major Buddhist monasteries and heritage sites, reinforcing the spiritual bond between Nepal and Sri Lanka. Visits to iconic sites such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the Dambulla Cave Temple provided valuable insights into heritage conservation, visitor management, and cultural storytelling. Discussions with senior monks focused on pilgrimage tourism exchanges, particularly promoting Lumbini as a must-visit destination for Sri Lankan Buddhists.
These engagements highlighted the potential for collaborative projects that integrate cultural preservation with tourism development. By studying Sri Lanka’s approaches to managing sacred sites, the delegation gained practical knowledge to enhance Nepal’s own heritage tourism strategies.
Academic Collaborations and Institutional Visits
A core component of the visit was fostering academic partnerships with leading Sri Lankan institutions. The delegation held productive discussions with the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA), led by Dr. Upali M. Sedere (Rector & CEO), exploring faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and access to e-portals for Buddhist students. Similarly, meetings with the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, under Ven. Senior Prof. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi Thero, focused on virtual class assistance, sharing academic resources, and digital content collaboration.
Engagements with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and the University of Sabaragamuwa further emphasized the role of cultural and academic diplomacy. These discussions identified opportunities for short-term and diploma courses, student exchanges, and curriculum integration of Buddhist philosophy. The delegation’s interactions underscored the potential for LBU to lead regional academic connectivity in Buddhist studies.
Private Sector and Industry-Academia Synergies
The visit also opened avenues for public-private partnerships, notably through discussions with the Capital Maharaja Group. These talks highlighted the value of involving the private sector in curriculum development, internship placements, and establishing learning hubs. LBU’s vision of creating “Industry-Linked Learning Hubs” gained traction, offering a model for integrating academic programs with industry needs.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
The visit reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s role as a strategic partner in South Asia for academic, cultural, and tourism collaboration. Key takeaways include:
- Deepening Academic Connectivity: Institutions like SIBA and Kelaniya University demonstrated a strong commitment to Buddhist scholarship and digital innovation. LBU should establish structured communication frameworks to operationalize Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) into impactful programs.
- Enhancing Cultural Diplomacy: Engagements with cultural bodies highlighted the growing importance of value-based education and cultural exchange. LBU could establish a dedicated “Cultural and Academic Exchange Desk” to systematize these efforts.
- Promoting Buddhist Values in Governance: Discussions with the Sri Lanka Police and Academia Task Force emphasized the relevance of Buddhist principles in leadership and peacebuilding. LBU can incorporate ethics and mindfulness modules into its programs.
- Strengthening Tourism Education: Collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and SAARC Cultural Centre underscored the benefits of cross-border tourism education. A Tourism Collaboration Framework under LBU could institutionalize these linkages.
- Boosting International Visibility: The lack of Nepal’s national representation at platforms like Sancharaka Udawa highlighted the need for assertive branding. Nepal should develop a long-term strategy for consistent participation in regional summits.
Conclusion
The LBU delegation’s visit to Sri Lanka marked a pivotal moment in advancing Nepal’s global presence in Buddhist education, cultural diplomacy, and tourism. By forging partnerships with academic institutions, cultural organizations, and tourism stakeholders, the delegation laid a robust foundation for sustainable collaboration. Moving forward, LBU aims to translate these engagements into actionable programs, enhancing Nepal’s role as a global hub for Buddhist discourse, academic excellence, and spiritual tourism. The visit not only strengthened Nepal-Sri Lanka ties but also positioned LBU as a leader in regional academic and cultural connectivity.