Sri Lanka–Nepal Relations

Sri Lanka and Nepal share a warm and longstanding friendship built on mutual respect, shared cultural and religious heritage, and strong people-to-people connections. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 1 July 1957, the two countries have enjoyed close cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and educational spheres.

As members of SAARC and BIMSTEC, Sri Lanka and Nepal work together to promote regional cooperation, sustainable development, and prosperity. Bilateral engagement continues to grow through trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges, supported by a number of agreements that facilitate economic cooperation and business partnerships.

The close cultural and religious links between our peoples remain a cornerstone of the relationship, with regular exchanges of pilgrims, students, tourists, and professionals. Both countries remain committed to further strengthening their partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

1. List of Trade and Investment related MOUs and Agreements between Sri Lanka Nepal

• 1 July 1957 – Establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka
• 19 February 1977 – Signing of the Air Services Agreement (revised in 2009)
• 03 April 1979 – Signing of the Trade Agreement
• 1993 – Establishment of the Sri Lankan Residential Embassy in Kathmandu
• 11 May 1995 – Establishment of the Nepalese Residential Embassy in Colombo
• 06 July 1999 – Signing of the Cultural Agreement
• 06 July 1999 – Signing of the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation
• 31 March 2003 – Signing of an MOU between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI)
• 26 January 2004 - Signing of MoU between the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP) and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
• 20 April 2007 – Signing of an Agreement on exemption of visa fees for students studying in both countries
• 03 March 2009 – Signing of the revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement
• 03 March 2009 – Establishment of the Sri Lanka–Nepal Friendship and Business Council in Colombo
• 14 March 2010 – Signing of the Agreement on the establishment of a Joint Commission at the Foreign Ministerial level
• 14 December 2015 - Signing of MoU between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Department of Archaeology of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Budhdhasasana of the Government of Sri Lanka for the Reconstruction of Temple of Rato Machhindranath at Bungamati and Anandakuti Mahavihara at Swayambhu
• 14 September 2017 – MoU on Cooperation between Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA) and the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) Sri Lanka
• 07 September 2019 – Signing of MoU between Lumbini Buddhist University (Nepal) and Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA)
• 3 March 2020 – MoU on Joint Issuance of Stamps between Department of Posts Sri Lanka and Postal Services Department of Nepal
• 21st December 2023 – Signing of MoU between the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Nepal on cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
• 01 December 2025 – Nepal Sri Lanka Friendship Association incorporated in Kathmandu.