President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended a state banquet hosted in his honour by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his ongoing state visit to Sri Lanka.
The banquet formed part of President Muizzu’s first state visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office. He is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level Maldivian delegation.
Speaking at the event, President Dr Muizzu thanked the Sri Lankan government and its people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the Maldivian delegation.
He described Sri Lanka as a “close and trusted neighbour,” highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two countries built through decades of cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and strong people-to-people ties.
The President noted that the visit reflects the enduring bond shared by the Maldives and Sri Lanka, while also acknowledging Sri Lanka’s continued support towards the Maldives’ development over the years.
President Dr Muizzu stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors including digital transformation, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, education, and ocean conservation.
Addressing global challenges, he identified climate change as one of the greatest concerns facing both countries, especially island nations such as the Maldives. He called for continued collaboration, innovation, and joint advocacy to tackle these shared challenges.
During his remarks, President Dr Muizzu also underscored the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, describing it as more than a geographical boundary.
“Together we can turn the Indian Ocean, once a passage of merchants, into a living bridge of innovation, prosperity and shared hope. For both our nations, the ocean is not a border, it is the road home,” the President said.
He added that the ocean has historically connected the cultures and histories of the Maldives and Sri Lanka while continuing to sustain their economies and shape their societies.
The President further emphasized that close cooperation between the two nations is essential to ensure the Indian Ocean remains a region of security, stability, and opportunity, allowing its economic benefits to be shared effectively among citizens.
President Dr Muizzu also described the Maldives and Sri Lanka as neighbours “like one family,” noting that the relationship between the two countries is rooted in long-standing mutual respect rather than temporary interests.
He expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s continued assistance to the Maldives over the years, stating that the Maldivian people deeply value the support provided during times of need.
The President further noted that both countries are actively expanding cooperation in areas such as digital development, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy initiatives.
During the visit, seven areas of cooperation were formalized through agreements signed between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
As part of the ongoing state visit, President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are also expected to attend a special reception organised for Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.
The President and First Lady are scheduled to return to the Maldives on 6 May.
