Ayubowan Nepal
W M Senevirathna, The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal is a charming person brimming with abiding passion for photography and literature and a man at home on his hikes in the countryside. He shares his experience of living in Nepal with Travel & Lifestyle.
His Excellency W M Senevirathna, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, arrived in Kathmandu on December 19, 2012 with the purpose to enhance existing close and cordial bilateral relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka. He initially felt uncomfortable adjusting to the cold climate during winter but two years in and he’s learnt to enjoy the cold as much as the locals here.
What excited him most about moving to Nepal were its historical sites, its mountains, and most of all, its people. On his earlier visits to Nepal, he had seen how friendly Nepalis had been to him and how contagious their smiles were, he says. He recalls the unwavering positivity shining through Nepalis even during the terrible disaster — the earthquake and its aftermath. He says, “It was a difficult time for everyone, but the bond created, and strength exerted by all helped everyone stay afloat in those difficult times.”
Q&A with Senevirathna
Your favourite places to hangout in Kathmandu...
My absolute favourite is Basantapur Durbar Square. I love strolling around the square.
Your favourite place for shopping...
I like to shop at Bhatbhateni where you get all that you need under one roof. From grocery to kitchen ware to shoes, imported clothes and local goods, you’ll find everything there.
Your preferred getaway destinations in Nepal...
Lumbini, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Jomsom.
One dish that you love preparing.
Hoppers (appa) — a range of dishes based on a fermented batter usually made of rice flour and coconut milk with spices. Hopper variants can be either savoury (such as egg hoppers, milk hoppers, and string hoppers), or sweet (such as vandu appa and pani appa).
A Nepali dish you enjoy...
I enjoy dal bhaat. It’s similar to Sri Lankan rice and curry.
You never leave home without...
Mobile phone, ATM cards and camera.
The most luxurious thing you have bought in Nepal?
A Buddhist cultural and religious artistic painting — thangka.
Best places to hangout in Nepal.
Durbar Marg, Thamel and Basantapur.
Some of your favourite local buys...
Lord Buddha’s statues, khukuris, Nepali musical instruments (madal, harmonium,
sarangi), thangka paintings, chaityas, Nepali carpets, pashmina, Nepali traditional handicrafts and paintings.
His top 10 things to do in Nepal
- Visit Lumbini—the birth place of Lord Buddha.
- Visit Pokhara to experience the beauty of Nepal.
- Go on a jungle safari in Chitwan.
- Visit Muktinath temple in Mustang.
- Take a mountain flight.
- Trek and hike.
- Raft down the Sunkoshi River.
- Paraglide in Pokhara.
- Bungee Jump.
- Visit Manakama Temple.
Senevirathna’s top five foods to try in Nepal
- Nepali thali.
- Chicken momo.
- Bhaktapur King curd.
- Chatamari.
- Newari Cuisine.
