A high-level state visit by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, commenced today in Malé, reflecting a renewed commitment to advancing longstanding diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This visit comes at a historically meaningful moment, marking the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two South Asian neighbours, established on 26 July 1965.
President Dissanayake, who assumed office in September 2024, is visiting the Maldives at the official invitation of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport on Monday morning, he was warmly received by President Muizzu and senior government officials in a formal reception that included a ceremonial guard of honour and a cultural performance by Maldivian school students. The warm welcome extended to the Sri Lankan delegation reflected the mutual respect and deep-rooted friendship shared between the two nations.
The three-day state visit is set to feature a series of high-level engagements aimed at further strengthening cooperation across key sectors such as trade, tourism, education, health, fisheries, and regional maritime security. Ahead of formal talks, the two Presidents are expected to hold a private meeting to discuss shared priorities and strategic collaboration. Official bilateral talks between both delegations are scheduled, followed by a joint press statement outlining the outcomes of their discussions.
Government sources indicate that the visit is likely to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), reinforcing mutual interests in economic development, people-to-people ties, and regional cooperation frameworks. These agreements will also serve to promote closer cooperation between the public and private sectors of both countries, enhancing market access and exchange of expertise, especially in areas such as youth development, capacity building, and sustainable economic initiatives.
This visit by President Dissanayake is his first official trip to the Maldives since becoming head of state, underscoring the importance his administration places on regional diplomacy and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a key development partner in the Indian Ocean. For the Maldives, the visit not only strengthens diplomatic engagement with a trusted neighbour but also reflects the country’s active foreign policy focus on regional solidarity and sustainable economic integration.
Both nations share historical, cultural, and religious ties, and have consistently supported each other on multilateral platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The 60-year journey of friendship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership, one that continues to be anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.
President Dissanayake’s visit is scheduled to conclude on 30 July, following a full program of diplomatic engagements that are expected to reaffirm and broaden the scope of cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
As tourism remains a key pillar of the Maldivian economy, this visit also signals continued regional collaboration in boosting connectivity, travel, and trade between the two nations—further enhancing the Maldives’ position as a leading destination for South Asian travellers.
advertisment
advertisment
