Nepalese Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Durga P. Bhattarai said that as Nepal is a landlocked country, it is a habit and practice amongst its citizens to venture out and explore the outside world for long periods of time.

Some veterans in Nepalese have also explored their own country by walking from one end to the other. Many are those who have accomplished this feat, he said.

"One of them was Purna Prakash, an enterprising Nepalese, who was honoured with the title ‘Yathri’ for his explorations on foot in Nepal.

He was speaking at a ceremony to felicitate young Nepali explorer Devendra Karki, a volunteer, going round the world with a dedicated mission to help fellow human beings.

The Ambassador said that Katari, an exuberant youth, determined and dedicated, has undertaken the difficult mission of spreading the message on prevention of HIV AIDS and Drug Abuse cycling round the world, with a set target of visiting 108 countries by the year 2010.

He appreciated the promptness of the Sri Lanka-Nepal Friendship Society and the Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council in recognizing the efforts of young Karki.

"The recognition by these two institutions is indeed an encouragement for this brave explorer to perform better on his mission in Sri Lanka and overseas," the Ambassador said.

Capt. D. A. Wickramasinghe, President, Sri Lanka-Nepal Friendship Society said that Devendra Karki has ventured on a adventurous journey traveling around the world on a bicycle creating an awareness of the dangers of HIV AIDS and Drug Abuse and added so far he has visited 13 countries spreading this important message.