President Returns After Four-Day State Visit to Sri Lanka

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has concluded his four-day State Visit to Sri Lanka and returned to the Maldives.

The President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed for Sri Lanka on May 3 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. The visit included official, ceremonial and community engagements focused on bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange across multiple sectors.

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This was President Muizzu’s first State Visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in November 2023. A high-level delegation comprising Cabinet ministers and senior government officials accompanied the President and First Lady throughout the visit.

Seven MoUs Signed

During the visit, the Maldives and Sri Lanka signed seven Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

The agreements included the renewal of cooperation in tourism, archiving cooperation, and the training and professional development of teachers and school leaders. Both countries also renewed cooperation on sports and youth development, alongside agreements on broader defence cooperation, defence education, training and research, and academic cooperation.

President Muizzu said the focus would now be on implementing the agreements to ensure tangible benefits for the people of both countries.

Business Forum Focuses on Investment and Economic Reform

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also delivered the keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo, where he highlighted the role of the private sector in shaping the Maldives’ economic future.

The President said the Maldives was at a pivotal stage in its development journey under Vision 2040, which aims to build a fully developed, inclusive and sustainable nation. He said the government’s development strategy prioritises people-centred, technology-driven and environmentally responsible growth.

Muizzu stated that private sector-led growth remains central to the national agenda, with the government pursuing reforms aimed at improving the business environment, encouraging investment and supporting entrepreneurs.

ID Card and Passport Services Launched

President Muizzu also inaugurated national identity card and passport services for Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka during a visit to the Maldivian High Commission in Colombo.

Following the launch, the President handed over the first passport issued under the new service to a Maldivian citizen residing in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka becomes the second country outside the Maldives to provide both ID card and passport services for Maldivians, following the earlier introduction of ID card services in Malaysia.

During the visit to the High Commission, the President and First Lady met staff and signed the guestbook. The President also visited the Maldives Cultural Centre at Sosun Villa, where he reviewed services provided to the Maldivian community.

State Banquet and Cultural Engagements

President Disanayaka hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Muizzu and the First Lady on Monday evening.

During the banquet, President Muizzu thanked the Sri Lankan government and people for their hospitality and described Sri Lanka as a close and trusted neighbour with longstanding ties to the Maldives through education, healthcare and people-to-people relations.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in digital transformation, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, education and ocean conservation, while calling for continued collaboration on shared challenges such as climate change.

As part of cultural engagements, the President and First Lady visited the Colombo National Museum, where they toured exhibits showcasing Sri Lanka’s history, heritage and traditions.

Tree Planting Ceremony Marks Diplomatic Milestone

President Muizzu also participated in a tree planting ceremony at Vihara Mahadevi Park to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The two Presidents planted Horsfieldia iryaghedhi trees, a critically endangered species endemic to Sri Lanka, symbolising the close relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka were established on 26 July 1965.

Engagements With Maldivian Community

During the visit, President Muizzu and the First Lady also met with Maldivians residing in Colombo.

The President listened to concerns raised by the community and said discussions with the Sri Lankan government included issues affecting Maldivians living in Sri Lanka, including visa-related matters.

First Lady’s Engagements

As part of her official engagements, the First Lady visited the Good Market Sri Lanka and Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children.

She also attended a Sri Lankan tea experience hosted by Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar at Siri Nivasa, where discussions focused on social development, philanthropy and strengthening people-centred initiatives.