KATHMANDU: The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and Lumbini Hotel Kasai on Friday unveiled the statute of former United Nations general secretary U Thant’s statue, in memory of U Thant and his contribution in taking Lumbini’s message to the global community.

U Thant, who was then the general secretary of the UN, had visited Lumbini in 1967.

“Lumbini is one of the best places I have ever visited,” U Thant had said during his Lumbini visit and his statement on Lumbini is taken as the milestone moment that helped to internationalise Buddha’s birth place. U Thant’s statue was unveiled by his grandson Thant Myint-U.

“I believe that Lumbini will be able to promote peace in the globe and also be developed as per the aspirations of my grandfather,” said Thant Myint-U.