Fostering mutual growth between Sri Lanka and Nepal

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya has held a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI), led by the President Vijay Shrestha.

The meeting focused on enhancing trade relations, exploring avenues to promote two-way tourism and new trade opportunities and fostering mutual growth between Sri Lanka and Nepal, according to the Embassy.

Commercial Officer Bibek Wosti delivered a presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2026 outlining the event prospects.

The discussions emphasized ways to further develop bilateral trade, enhancing tourism collaboration and highlighted the potential for collaboration in upcoming trade initiatives, including participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2026.

 

 

NC President Deuba to contest election from Dadeldhura

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to contest the upcoming March 5 elections from his home district, Dadeldhura.

In a recent meeting with leaders of the Nepali Congress Dadeldhura district committee, Deuba indicated that he would be running for office for the last time.

Deuba has already secured victory from Dadeldhura in the federal parliamentary elections seven times—in 1991, 1994, 1999, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2022. If he contests again, this will mark his eighth bid for the seat.

 

Germany and Nepal mark 50 years of cooperation

Germany and Nepal on December 5 marked 50 years of technical cooperation, bringing together government partners, development stakeholders, and longstanding collaborators at the GIZ premises in Khumaltar. Under the theme “Woven Through Time, Shaping Tomorrow Together”, the event highlighted the milestones of a partnership that began with Bhaktapur’s heritage preservation in the early 1970s, expanded through GIZ’s work in infrastructure and urban development, industrial and entrepreneurial development, agriculture and forest management, peace building and conflict transformation, and post-earthquake reconstruction, and has now grown into one of Nepal’s longest-standing international collaborations in energy, health and sustainable economic development.

Over the years, German Development Cooperation has evolved into several organizations – GIZ, which is celebrating its 50 years of technical cooperation in Nepal today, KfW Development Bank, which is a German Financial Cooperation, and PTB, supporting quality assurance across sectors. Each organization brings its own expertise, but all share one approach: a partnership built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared progress in Nepal.

Today, Germany-Nepal technical cooperation is closely aligned with Nepal’s national priorities and supports its regional and global commitments. The 50-year milestone underscores a partnership that is both long-standing and forward-looking.

The chief guest, Minister of Finance and Federal Affairs and General Administration Mr. Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, highlighted the significance of the 50-year partnership between Nepal and GIZ, describing it as a story of trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations. He stated, “It is a great privilege for me, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, to join in celebrating 50 years of GIZ’s dedicated service to our country. This milestone is evidence of what long-term cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision can achieve.”

Reflecting on GIZ’s contributions over the decades, the Minister noted, “GIZ has been more than a development agency; it has been a committed partner in Nepal’s pursuit of sustainable growth, social inclusion, and the well-being of our people.” The Minister called for deeper future collaboration in renewable energy, public health, decentralization, sustainable infrastructure, inclusive economic growth, and improved revenue systems.

The Minister concluded with a message of appreciation and commitment on behalf of the Government of Nepal, " I express our deepest gratitude to GIZ and our German partners. Let this golden jubilee be a renewed beginning, a call to collaboration, shared purpose, and continued progress toward a greener, healthier, and more equitable Nepal.”

In his address, His Excellency Udo Volz, the German Ambassador, reflected on the origins of the partnership with the restoration of Bhaktapur, saying, “A commitment that meant: your heritage matters, and we will help you preserve it.” He underlined where the past 50 years have taken this cooperation since then: “What started with restoring temples now provides digital solutions. What began with preserving the past now includes preparing for the future.”

Ms. Paulina Campos Monteros, Country Representative, GIZ Nepal, said: “We see ourselves as facilitators and long-term partners, bringing technical expertise and practical solutions, developed hand-in-hand with government, civil society, the private sector, and communities. Our role is to connect actors, support innovation, and help turn ideas into systems that last.”

Corruption is the greatest challenge to human rights, says PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that the government is prepared to take the toughest possible measures against corruption. 

Speaking at a program organized by the National Human Rights Commission in Lalitpur on Wednesday to mark the 77th International Human Rights Day, Prime Minister Karki said that corruption is the greatest challenge to human rights, and the government will not hesitate to take stringent action against it.

She remarked that corruption is not only an economic irregularity, but a serious human rights violation that deprives poor, vulnerable, and marginalized citizens of their fundamental rights. 

Prime Minister Karki emphasized that human rights cannot be safeguarded without transparency and accountability, asserting that the government is moving forward firmly in this direction.