President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is continuing his state visit to Sri Lanka following his arrival in Colombo on Sunday evening at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed is accompanying the President on the visit, which is scheduled to conclude on 6 May.
Upon arrival, President Muizzu and the First Lady were accorded a formal state welcome ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo in the presence of President Dissanayake. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, an official guard of honor, and the playing of the national anthems of both countries. Senior officials from the Sri Lankan government and members of the Maldivian delegation attended the event.
During the visit, President Muizzu is holding high-level discussions with senior Sri Lankan officials aimed at further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Talks between the two sides have focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors including education, vocational training, economic development, governance, heritage preservation, environmental protection, tourism, trade, and collaboration in international forums.
Following the talks seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed in the presence of the two leaders to enhance cooperation across multiple areas.
As part of the engagements, Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the significance of the 60-year diplomatic relationship shared by the Maldives and Sri Lanka, noting that the close ties between the two nations continue to be built on shared values and strong historical connections.
President Muizzu and Minister Herath also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit and prosperity of both countries. Discussions further explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration in environmental initiatives, tourism development, and trade expansion.
The President is also scheduled to take part in the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum and meet members of the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka.
According to the President’s Office, the visit is expected to facilitate dialogue on shared priorities and further reinforce the close and longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The current visit follows President Dissanayake’s state visit to the Maldives from 28 to 30 July 2025, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Maldives and Sri Lanka formally established diplomatic ties on 26 July 1965.
