Lumbini: His Excellency Ambassador of the United States of America Randy W. Berry and his delegates from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal visited Lumbini on 15th November 2018. His Excellency expressed honor to visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He said “Visiting the Buddha’s birthplace is an unforgettable experience. The word Lumbini means lovely in Sanskrit and it is literally beautiful” he added. 

Board members and the staffs of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) welcomed the visiting team. Vice Chairman Venerable Metteyya Shakyaputta, Treasurer Mr. Surendra Muni Shakya, Board Member Mr. Rajesh Gyawali, Board Member Mr. Amarika Kohar, Acting Member Secretary and Project Manager Mr. Saroj Bhattarai, Lumbini expert Dr. Him Lal Ghimire and staffs of the LDT were present to welcome the Ambassador’s delegation. 

Information Chief Hari D. Rai briefed the Excellency and the team about the importance of Lumbini as the holy birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha and UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The delegates firstly visited the archaeological remains in the Sacred Garden. Then, they observed Puskarani Pond, Bodhi Tree, Mayadevi Temple, Asoka Pillar in the Mayadevi Temple complex. Excellency Ambassador and his delegates also visited monasteries in Lumbini Monastic Zone. The delegates were impressed to during the Lumbini tour. 

His Excellency expressed his wish to partnership with Lumbini Development Trust on conservation of historic and cultural monuments of Greater Lumbini Area. The meeting held between LDT and the Ambassador has discussed on possible conservation partnership. LDT Vice Chairman Ven. Metteyya explained the challenges and opportunities answering the queries of the Ambassador.  The meeting has stimulated the optimism of future partnership between the Trust and the Embassy.