The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, arrived in the Maldives on Monday to commence his first state visit since assuming office in September 2024. The visit comes at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and marks a significant diplomatic moment between the two neighbouring countries.
President Dissanayake and his delegation were received at Velana International Airport by President Muizzu earlier today. An official welcome ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the day.
The visit will include formal talks between the two heads of state, with discussions expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors and reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Joint press statements are planned following the talks, where both leaders will share the outcomes of their discussions.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, first established on 26 July 1965. President Dissanayake’s visit is expected to serve as a reaffirmation of the close ties shared between the two countries, which have long collaborated in areas such as education, healthcare, trade, and regional security.
The state visit also comes shortly after Sri Lanka’s announcement to grant Maldivian citizens one-year visas starting in August, a move that was welcomed by many in the Maldives who travel to Sri Lanka frequently for medical treatment, education, and leisure.
As the official engagements unfold, the visit is likely to reinforce the shared history and mutual interests that continue to define Maldivian–Sri Lankan relations.
