17 February 2023, NIICE Commentary 8547
E V A Dissanayake
Religion and culture play a significant role in international relations. Similarities in religion and culture, as well as the accommodation of the religio-culture of different nations, make it easy to navigate the complex and seemingly divided world. International relations are not only built with relationship between governments of sovereign states but also through warm and healthy relations with their citizens. Healthy relations among citizens, unite nations; and as viewed by scholars, it leads to a ‘peaceful global system rather than to a ‘clash of civilisations.’
Nepal – Sri Lanka Ties
The religio-cultural ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka date back to ancient times. While Nepal – Sri Lanka diplomatic relations officially began in 1957 and have contributed to promoting and enhancing cordial relations, the two countries have been entwined closely by religion and culture for many centuries, since ancient times. Nepal and Sri Lanka are among the founding members of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in 1961, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985, and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation of 2001, and are part of several other bilateral and regional-multilateral cooperations, where similar views are shared on both regional, and international issues. It was not long ago that the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka was celebrated in Kathmandu. In his message, the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister referred to Lumbini as the umbilical cord that connected both countries; and that the unwavering willingness to support each other in hard times has always been the core ingredient to the strong relations between the two.
Nepal meets Sri Lanka in Lumbini
King Mahendra of Nepal during his visit to Sri Lanka in 1957, emphasized how Buddhism connects the two nations. He stated, “even if the two great countries of Asia, Nepal and Sri Lanka literally and geographically lie far apart from each other, through the strength of the cultural relations that exist between both countries through Lord Buddha, we have been able to continuously foster the spirit of friendship.” Nepali former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to Sri Lanka Durga Prasad Bhattarai highlighted the ancient religious links of Nepal and Sri Lanka, and how Buddhism has been key to improving relations between the two nations.
The Sri Lankan Buddhists are into the practice of pilgrimaging to Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha, in Nepal, and to the Bodh Gaya in India. Visiting these holy lands at least once in their lifetime is the utmost achievement for Sri Lankan Buddhists. Buddhism is placed significantly higher than the other religions practised in the country, in Sri Lanka where over 70 percent are Buddhists. The Sri Lankan Constitution emphasizes the importance of Buddhism for the state. Hence, Buddhist practices become very strong, with Buddhism determining most of the social and political aspects of Sri Lanka. Nepal as a secular nation under the Constitution of Nepal 2015, is home to a large Hindu population. Even with a substantial 81 percent of Hindus and a mere 9 percent of Buddhists, it is quite impressive to see Buddhism as the connectivity between Nepal and Sri Lanka, and being the centre of Nepal-Sri Lanka relations since ancient times.
Lumbini’s Importance to Sinhala Buddhists
The three–decade civil war in Sri Lanka not only widened the divisions between the Sinhala and Tamil people in terms of religion and culture, but it also divided them across national borders. Even though some Sinhala Buddhists visited Buddhist historic sites and the Bodh Gaya in India, sadly on some occasions they had to encounter hostile relations. This urged them to further their relations with Nepal, and choose Lumbini to pay their homage. However, the Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus, have always considered India as their second home, and a destination for religious activities. India’s political interference in the Sri Lankan civil conflict-built gaps between India and Sri Lankan Sinhala Buddhists under the false notion that portrayed the Sinhala Buddhists as the perpetrators against the minority Tamils. The insecurity felt by the Sinhala Buddhists in India, increased their visits to Nepal where they were received with warmth, and safety.
Nepal – Sri Lanka Bilateral Agreements
Nepal and Sri Lanka have continued in taking measures to enhance religious, cultural, educational and economic relations including promoting tourism among both countries. The two have signed various agreements to strengthen relations between the two, and most of them were related to culture and religion, and religio-culture based tourism. In 1999, the two countries signed two agreements; the Cultural Agreement to promote cultural interactions through socio-cultural exchanges, and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement to support the religio-culture based travels between the two countries. Another agreement relating to this, that brought a win-win situation for both nations was the Air Service Agreement of 2009.
Currently, Sri Lanka remains in the top 5th position as per the number of tourists visiting Nepal, and according to the Nepal Tourism Statistics 2019, the annual average of Sri Lankan tourism arrival in Nepal during 2015 – 2019 was around 54, 300. In 2022, Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping and Aviation discussed with Nepal Ambassador Bashu Dev Mishra on commencing direct flights between Colombo and Lumbini, by extending the flights already in operation between Colombo – Kathmandu as a supportive mechanism for Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting Nepal to pay homage to Lumbini.
Even though there is plenty of space for the growth of these bilateral relations, the amount of economic and bilateral cooperation is still relatively modest. For both nations to benefit from healthy economic relations, they both must take proactive steps in this direction. The promotion of complementarity, the abolition of tax and quasi-customs duties, the adoption of facilitative policies, the construction of necessary infrastructure, the expansion of connectivity, and the encouragement of investment in productive sectors could be possible ways to achieve this. Being so susceptible, dealing with the adverse effects of climate change is a top priority for both nations. In addition, frequent environmental disasters like floods and droughts frequently harm the populations of both countries further lowering their living standards.
Importance of Religio-Cultural Relations
While, having similar regional and global political views have promoted stable relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka, with no diplomatic tensions, Buddhism has stimulated constant peace with genuine support towards each other. However, the economic and political cooperation between Nepal and Sri Lanka is seen to stagnate; and this is not because of a lack of initiatives. While there are constraints with geographical connectivity, the relations of Nepal and Sri Lanka, are more seriously impeded by their common regional, and far-regional neighbours – India and China. These two rival giants through their established predominance in the region, interfere and control the smaller states like Nepal and Sri Lanka, and their economies, trade and political relations with each other. In this context, a more possible means for small states to connect is through religio-cultural relations, which have the potential to improve also economic, trade and political, relations. Political leaders, foreign policy strategies, and international systemic elements could appear and disappear; but the deep-rooted religious, cultural and historical elements do not tend to change easily. As stated by former Secretary General of BIMSTEC and Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to Nepal Sumith Nakandala, at the 65th-anniversary celebrations “it is important that we push towards building trade and investment between Nepal and Sri Lanka; but the role for Sri Lanka is to support Lumbini’s development as a centre of peace.”
E V A Dissanayake is an Independent Researcher from Sri Lanka.
