Over 21,000 Sri Lankans Employed in Maldives, Generating USD 129M in Remittances

Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council Immediate Past President Sudesh Mendis said more than 21,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in the Maldives, contributing around USD 129 million in annual remittances, and urged Sri Lanka to strengthen business and employment opportunities with its closest neighbour.

In an interview with Sri Lanka’s Daily News, Mendis highlighted the economic contrast between the two countries, with the Maldives leading Asia in per capita income at USD 13,216 (MVR 204,319), far surpassing Sri Lanka’s USD 4,516 (MVR 69,817).

“Its 2023 nominal GDP stood at USD 6.59 billion (approximately MVR 101 billion), serving a population of just 530,000. Sri Lanka should focus on further enhancing the business and employment opportunities which arise from such economic momentum by one of its closest neighbours and friends,” Mendis said.

He also noted that most Sri Lankans in the Maldives work in the tourism sector. Over the past five decades, the Maldives has developed into a leading luxury tourism destination, hosting 168 resorts, 883 guesthouses, 13 hotels, and 152 safari boats. The country is home to major international brands, and Sri Lankan investors and operators, including Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Aitken Spence, have contributed significantly to this growth. Some ultra-luxury villas now command rates up to USD 75,000 per night, while average resort rates range from USD 150 to USD 1,500.

Mendis added that Sri Lankan produce remains popular in Maldivian resorts, but its market share has declined to 3.72 percent, reportedly due to pricing and policy challenges. 

Meanwhile, Maldives’ Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, has raised concerns over the treatment of Maldivian citizens by Sri Lankan immigration authorities. Reports indicate Maldivians face longer queues and greater scrutiny than visitors with fair skin. Students and parents applying individually have experienced delays and harsh treatment, while visas processed through travel agents are issued more quickly, prompting questions about fairness and transparency.

The economic and cultural ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka remain strong. Observers note that addressing visa fairness and expanding bilateral business cooperation could further strengthen the historic partnership between the two nations.