Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was welcomed to the Maldives on Monday with a full ceremonial reception, marking his first official state visit to the country since assuming office in September 2024. The visit comes as the Maldives and Sri Lanka commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, first established in July 1965.
The ceremony at Republic Square began with President Mohamed Muizzu receiving President Dissanayake. A cultural performance by local students followed, alongside a 21-gun salute rendered by the Maldives National Defence Force. The national anthems of both countries were played before President Dissanayake inspected the Guard of Honour and met with members of the Maldivian and Sri Lankan delegations.
Following the formal welcome, the two presidents held official talks at the President’s Office. President Muizzu reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two nations, and acknowledged the role Sri Lankan professionals have played in the Maldives’ development, particularly in health, education, and construction.
The discussions led to a reaffirmed commitment to broaden cooperation in several sectors. These include education and capacity building, fisheries, agriculture, maritime safety, climate action, food security, youth empowerment, and sports. Both leaders expressed interest in strengthening connectivity between the two nations through enhanced air and maritime links.
Two formal agreements were also signed during the visit. A Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training and Exchange of Information was signed between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute of Sri Lanka. The MoU sets a framework for collaboration in diplomatic training, institutional knowledge exchange, and sharing of official documentation.
Additionally, a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed, aimed at improving cooperation in criminal investigations, prosecution efforts, and the sharing of evidence and intelligence. The treaty had been previously endorsed by the Maldivian Cabinet and is expected to enhance legal coordination between the two countries.
The visit and accompanying agreements underscore a shared interest in deepening bilateral relations while responding to evolving regional challenges. As both island nations face common concerns in areas such as maritime security and climate change, the renewed commitment is seen as a step toward a more coordinated future.
