KATHMANDU: Emphasis has been laid to expand bilateral relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka for mutual cooperation and prosperity.

At a program organized by Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal and Nepal Council for World Affairs here on Monday on the occasion of 65th establishment day of Nepal-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, various speakers expressed the view that bilateral relations should be expanded on the basis of mutual cooperation and collaboration.

The speakers drew the attention of the sides concerned to expanding cooperation and collaboration in tourism, agriculture, education, health, trade, religious and cultural sectors between Nepal and Sri Lanka.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka said the time had come to pay attention on improvement of living standard of the people by linking Nepal and Sri Lanka through economic and social activities.

Saying there is significant support of Sri Lanka to Nepal’s education, health and reconstruction sector, Minister Dr Khadka pointed out the need of paying attention to uplifting living standard of people through collaboration between the two countries.

Similarly, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, Himalee Arunatalika, expressed the view that people of both countries should be benefitted through diplomatic relations as well as expansion of economic relations. Sri Lankans have faith and trust towards Nepal as the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Chairperson of Nepal Council for World Affairs, Hemant Kharel, stressed the need of taking the relation between Nepal and Sri Lanka to the people’s level as well.

Likewise, former Nepali Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr Durga Prasad Bhattarai viewed that there is possibility of collaboration with Sri Lanka in various sectors including trade, hydropower, education, health and tourism.