President Seeks Greater Private Sector Links With Sri Lanka

The Maldives has sought to position private sector cooperation with Sri Lanka as a key part of its wider economic reform agenda, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu calling for stronger investment links across infrastructure, tourism, digital innovation and food security.

Delivering the keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo, President Dr Muizzu said the private sector would play a central role in shaping the Maldives’ long-term economic direction. He framed the country’s development plans around Vision 2040, which aims to build a more developed, inclusive and sustainable economy.

The President said the government was placing private sector-led growth at the centre of national policy, with reforms intended to improve the business environment, attract investment and support entrepreneurs. He referred to changes to the Foreign Investment Law and Foreign Investment Entry Requirements, which are aimed at providing greater clarity and predictability for investors.

His Excellency President Dr @MMuizzu attends the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo today and delivers the keynote address.

The forum showcased investment opportunities in the Maldives across tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, and concluded with networking… pic.twitter.com/3DHiVzfpvL

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) May 5, 2026

President Dr Muizzu also highlighted amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act, presenting them as part of the government’s efforts to prepare the Maldives for a new phase of economic growth. He noted growing investor interest in the Maldives as a digital hub in the Indian Ocean and said the country was seeking to play a more active role in technology-driven development.

Sri Lanka was described as an important partner in this wider economic agenda, particularly in tourism, construction and services. The President called for stronger collaboration in infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, digital innovation and food security, while also stressing the need for investment flows in both directions to create a more balanced economic partnership.

Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed also addressed the forum, describing it as an important step in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. He said the administration was focused on fiscal discipline, economic resilience and long-term growth, while continuing infrastructure projects and reforms aimed at reducing the economy’s heavy reliance on tourism.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya also delivered a special address at the forum, noting the continued strengthening of relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The forum included a presentation on Maldives–Sri Lanka bilateral relations and a showcase of investment opportunities in the Maldives, including tourism, agriculture and fisheries. Business delegations from both countries also took part in networking discussions focused on identifying future areas of cooperation.