Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal, in collaboration with The Management Club (TMC) Jaffna and in coordination with Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council, organized “Nepal-Jaffna Engagement: Diplomatic Mission Explores Development Collaboration” at Jetwing Jaffna in Colombo on July 7.
The event was held with the objective of deepening people-to-people connections and exploring new avenues of cooperation between Nepal and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The program was attended by business leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, artisans, religious leaders, academics, and representatives from civil society in Jaffna.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy, Vijay Kumar Raut, addressed the gathering and highlighted Nepal’s unique tourism offerings and trade opportunities. He emphasized Nepal’s strengths in spiritual tourism, wellness, mountains, adventure, heritage, technology, innovation and energy, and invited Sri Lankans to experience Nepal beyond Kathmandu and Lumbini.
Chairman of Northern Tourism and Promotions, Dr Vivekanandan, spoke on the potential and opportunities in Northern Provincial Tourism. He also focused on the various things that Nepal can offer and also what can attract the Nepalese visitors to the Northern Province.
The event featured insightful remarks from Prof. P. Balasundarampillai, Professor in Geography and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, who fondly remembered and praised the beauty of the Nepali people, their rich culture, and historical events. Mr. Robinson B. Prashanthan, CEO of Innovay and Online Business Consultant, and Mr. Jekhan Aruliah of Jaffna Club, a prominent social and commercial entrepreneur in the Northern Province, also spoke on the importance of fostering stronger relationships and exploring practical ways to connect both countries in trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Vivekananthan Niranjan, Vice President of TMC Jaffna welcomed the participants and introduced the TMC and its different works in the Northern Province.
The entire event was skillfully organized by Anu Rakavan, Chairman of The Management Club Jaffna. The engagement reflected a shared commitment to build bridges of friendship, cultural understanding, and shared prosperity between Nepal and Jaffna.
After the speeches, an engaging and interactive Q&A session was held where the CDA responded to queries from participants. Key areas of discussion included:
At the end, as a gesture of goodwill and friendship, a “Token of Love” was presented by the Embassy of Nepal to TMC Jaffna. The token symbolized the Embassy’s appreciation for the warm hospitality of the people of Jaffna and the commitment to building lasting partnerships.
The speakers from TMC Jaffna welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in joint tourism promotion, artisan exchange programs, and business networking between Nepal and Northern Sri Lanka. Participants noted the vast potential for collaboration in heritage tourism, wellness, and cultural industries.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to taking Nepal-Sri Lanka relations beyond Colombo and to building stronger bridges with all provinces of Sri Lanka.
