Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Highlights Economic and Cultural Ties

Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana (Retd), Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, formally presented his credentials to President Ramchandra Paudel at “Sheetal Niwas” in Kathmandu on December 14, 2023.

In their meeting, Ambassador Pathirana conveyed warm regards from the Sri Lankan President, emphasizing the robust cultural bonds shared between Sri Lanka and Nepal. He stressed the imperative of bolstering economic relations between the two nations as a key agenda during his tenure. Additionally, he explored avenues for collaboration in education, healthcare, and technology to fortify the bilateral relationship.

President Paudel, while congratulating Ambassador Pathirana on his new role, underscored the enduring Buddhist and cultural connections between Sri Lanka and Nepal. He highlighted the historical friendship between the two countries and advocated for the initiation of direct air connectivity linking Colombo and Lumbini to benefit pilgrims.

Ambassador Pathirana boasts an illustrious career, commencing in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as an officer cadet in 1985. His educational journey includes a Master’s Degree in Operational Art and Science from Air University, Alabama, a second Master’s Degree in Defence Studies and Management from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, and additional qualifications from institutions in Bangladesh, India, and the USA. Notably, he served as the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force until his retirement in 2023, having held various significant positions during his tenure.

Accompanying the Ambassador to the credentials ceremony were Minister Counsellor Nilusha Dilmini and Attaché Madusha Gunasekara from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Nepal.