His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was accorded an official ceremonial welcome today at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, formally commencing his State Visit to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and underscoring the close and longstanding ties between the two neighbouring countries.
President Dr Muizzu was warmly received by His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of Sri Lanka, in a ceremony that reflected the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and enduring cooperation that continues to define relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The welcome ceremony was conducted with full official honours, highlighting the importance both nations place on their bilateral partnership and continued engagement at the highest level.
The ceremony began with a gun salute, followed by President Dr Muizzu inspecting the Guard of Honour presented by the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces. The formal proceedings demonstrated the esteem attached to the visit and provided a dignified opening to what is expected to be a significant occasion for further strengthening relations between Male’ and Colombo. The event also reflected the deep diplomatic, historical, and people-to-people bonds shared by the Maldives and Sri Lanka over many decades.
Following the ceremonial honours, the two Presidents took part in the introduction of delegations. During this segment, President Dr Muizzu was introduced to members of Sri Lanka’s Cabinet and senior government officials, while the Maldivian delegation was introduced to President Disanayaka. The exchange served as an important opportunity to reaffirm institutional cooperation and demonstrate the commitment of both governments to advancing collaboration across areas of mutual interest.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed accompanied President Dr Muizzu at the ceremony, together with Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials from the Maldives. Their presence reflected the broad national importance of the visit and the Maldives’ continued commitment to constructive diplomatic engagement with regional partners. The dignified participation of both delegations added further significance to the occasion and highlighted the value placed on intergovernmental dialogue and partnership.
The two Presidents later posed for an official photograph, capturing a moment of cordiality and shared purpose between the leadership of the two countries. President Dr Muizzu also signed the Visitors Book, marking the occasion in accordance with diplomatic tradition and further symbolising the importance of the State Visit.
President Dr Muizzu arrived in Colombo on the State Visit at the invitation of President Disanayaka. The visit comes within the broader context of strong bilateral engagement between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, following President Disanayaka’s State Visit to the Maldives in July 2025 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. That milestone served as a reminder of the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared aspiration to further deepen cooperation in the years ahead.
The commencement of President Dr Muizzu’s State Visit is being viewed as a meaningful continuation of the warm relations maintained by the Maldives and Sri Lanka, with both countries expected to further enhance dialogue, goodwill, and collaboration through this high-level engagement. The visit also sends a positive message about regional partnership, mutual respect, and the importance of sustained diplomacy in promoting shared progress and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
advertisment
advertisment
