Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in the Maldives for a three-day state visit, marking six decades of diplomatic relations between the two Indian Ocean neighbors. The Sri Lankan head of state received a warm welcome upon landing at Velana International Airport, where he was greeted by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. A red carpet reception was held in his honor, followed by a formal welcoming ceremony at Republic Square in Malé. The ceremony featured a 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force and a cultural performance by local school children. Both national anthems were played as President Dissanayake inspected the Guard of Honour and met with Maldivian and Sri Lankan delegates.
Also read: Modi’s historic visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: A celebration of 1000 years of Chola legacy!
In a social media post shortly after his arrival, President Dissanayake said he looked forward to “meaningful discussions” with President Muizzu and other officials. He added that several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) would be signed to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The visit comes at the invitation of President Muizzu and is part of a wider effort to reaffirm and expand the strong bilateral ties established since July 26, 1965. Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to formally establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives following its independence.
Later that day, representatives from both nations gathered in Malé’s President’s Office. The topics covered in the meeting included trade, education, climate resilience, regional security, and development cooperation. President Muizzu commended Sri Lankan professionals’ contributions to critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure in the Maldives. Both parties agreed to boost up collaboration in fisheries, agriculture, maritime safety, food security, youth development, and sports. Improving communication between the two nations, both by air and sea, was also listed as a top priority.
Also read: Modi’s Historic Milestone: Has India Found Its Most Unstoppable Prime Minister?
As part of the visit, two formal agreements were signed. The first was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute. This agreement aims to boost institutional collaboration, particularly in diplomatic training and information exchange. The second was a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. It will allow for improved cooperation in investigations, prosecutions, and evidence sharing, and was previously approved by the Maldivian Cabinet. Additionally, this is only the second state visit by a foreign leader since President Muizzu took office in November 2023.
The first was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the Maldives last week. That visit also concluded with several key agreements between India and the Maldives. Furthermore, as part of continuous efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections, Sri Lanka has announced the reintroduction of a one-year visa for Maldivian nationals, commencing August 1. Accordingly, Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath acknowledged the decision, pointing out that Maldivians had previously traveled in considerable numbers to Sri Lanka for medical treatments. Maldives continues to allow Sri Lankan nationals visa-free entry.
Also read: How the new India UK FTA may reshape global trade
Furthermore, President Muizzu hosted an official state banquet in honor of President Dissanayake. Held at the President’s Office, the event brought together senior officials and dignitaries from both countries. Among those present were former Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Herath, and Acting High Commissioner Ms. Thimuthu Dissanayake. President Dissanayake stayed in the Maldives until Wednesday. His schedule included a series of high-level meetings, cultural events, and public engagements. Officials from both sides say the visit reflects a renewed commitment to work together on shared regional challenges, especially in maritime security, climate action, and sustainable development.
