The government has completed preparations to include the ancient city of Tilaurakot, the capital of the Sakya Republic, in the World Heritage List. In an event organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Lumbini Development Trust, and the Department of Archaeology, experts' documentation for Tilaurakot's recognition in the World Heritage List has been discussed with key stakeholders. The final preparations for Tilaurakot's inclusion in the list have been announced by the government.

During the program in Tilaurakot, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and reiterated the commitment to prioritize Tilaurakot's inclusion in the list. The final documents prepared by experts for Tilaurakot's recognition in the World Heritage List are being presented in a program until November 30, where a group of national and international experts will review them.

Minister Kirati emphasized the significance of recognizing Tilaurakot, which had been neglected, and highlighted the importance of developing it as a global heritage site. He assured personal involvement to finalize the recognition, stating, "In the specified timeframe, I am committed to finalizing the recognition. Tilaurakot will be included in the World Heritage List."

Minister Kirati expressed gratitude to the continuous efforts of experts engaged in ongoing research for Tilaurakot's recognition. He thanked them for their dedication and reiterated the government's commitment to making Tilaurakot a globally recognized site, emphasizing continuous search and research for the final recognition.

 

Shusila Shripali Thakuri, the State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, pledged necessary coordination and efforts for Tilaurakot's recognition in the World Heritage List. She emphasized the importance of improving the pace of development for historical sites like Tilaurakot.

During the program, Dr. Lharkyal Lama, the Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, emphasized the significant importance of Tilaurakot Durbar Square in the life of Buddha and his teachings. He expressed commitment to ensuring Tilaurakot's recognition in the World Heritage List, stating, "The news of Tilaurakot being recognized is a joyous occasion for us. Experts have spent a significant amount of time collecting evidence, and Tilaurakot will be included in the World Heritage List."

Dr. Lama, who visited Tilaurakot immediately after taking office, observed the area covered by weeds and bushes. He mentioned the ongoing efforts to clean and beautify Tilaurakot, expressing satisfaction with the progress made in transforming it into an aesthetically pleasing site.

Sudhakar Pandey, a member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, positively acknowledged the proactive approach in recognizing Tilaurakot in the World Heritage List. He encouraged support and collaboration for the process, highlighting the positive impact of 25 years of research on Kapilavastu and suggesting further improvements for Tilaurakot's development.

Sudeep Paudel, the Mayor of Kapilavastu Municipality, recalled his cycling journey to raise awareness about Tilaurakot when the state had not paid attention. He expressed happiness about the ongoing preparations for the final recognition and emphasized the need for coordination and support from the local government.

 

The Mayor of Buddhabhumi Municipality, Keshav Kumar Shrestha, expressed commitment to support Tilaurakot's recognition in the World Heritage List. He assured that the local government was prepared to coordinate and collaborate for the development and recognition of Tilaurakot.

In the program, Bharatmani Subedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, highlighted the government's comprehensive efforts for long-term management, emphasizing collaboration with the local government and the support of all representatives from Kapilavastu. During the program, Saubhagya Pradhananga, the Director-General of the Department of Archaeology, Umesha Dhungana, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transportation, Secretary Sanuraja Shakya of Lumbini Development Trust, and others expressed gratitude to the expert team for preparing the final documents and evidence for Tilaurakot's inclusion in the World Heritage List.

The program concluded with the announcement that the final submission for Tilaurakot's proposed recognition in the World Heritage List would be sent to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation by November 30th and subsequently forwarded to the UNESCO World Heritage Center by January 24, 2024.

After the final registration, the International Mission, including ICOMOS, plans to study the proposal until 2024, and the World Heritage Committee is expected to receive a submission in 2025. This information was shared by international heritage expert Dr. Duncan Marshall during the workshop, which included discussions with national and international experts. The expert group has been actively involved in preparing the final documents for Tilaurakot's inclusion in the World Heritage List.

Dr. Duncan Marshall expressed gratitude to the expert team for their collaboration and hard work in preparing the final documentation and evidence for Tilaurakot's proposed recognition. The final submission is scheduled to be sent to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation by November 30th and subsequently forwarded to the UNESCO World Heritage Center by January 24, 2024, under the UNESCO Japanese Fund-in-Trust project.