President’s landmark visit to Maldives heralds new era of regional cooperation

Date:

July 29, Colombo (LNW): On his inaugural State Visit to the Maldives, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two island nations, paving the way for expanded collaboration across a spectrum of strategic areas.

The visit, rich in symbolism and diplomacy, also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives—a milestone that lends further weight to this high-level engagement.

President Dissanayake, warmly received by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and his government, praised the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, remarking on the mutual respect and shared histories that characterise relations between the two countries. The President described the visit as a moment of “renewed momentum” in bilateral ties, underpinned by centuries-old cultural, linguistic, and maritime links.

The two leaders presided over wide-ranging discussions, addressing both longstanding concerns and future prospects. President Dissanayake underscored the importance of a diversified partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomatic relations, embracing emerging areas such as digital innovation, green energy, and educational exchange.

Central to the talks was the acknowledgement of the Maldives as a vital employment destination for many Sri Lankans, whose contributions have played a meaningful role in the Maldivian economy. In turn, Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka have enriched the social and economic fabric of Sri Lankan society, the President noted, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the relationship.

In education, Sri Lanka committed to strengthening its support for Maldivian students and professionals, with further cooperation anticipated in academic exchanges, vocational training, and joint research initiatives.

On the economic front, President Dissanayake extended an open invitation to Maldivian entrepreneurs to explore investment avenues in Sri Lanka. Key sectors highlighted included artificial intelligence and information technology, fisheries and agricultural processing, tourism development, real estate, and urban infrastructure.

He also detailed new investor-friendly initiatives underway in Sri Lanka, such as the introduction of a streamlined Single-window system and the development of specialised Technology Parks aimed at fostering foreign direct investment.

Tourism, a vital economic pillar for both countries, featured prominently in discussions. The leaders expressed interest in enhancing air connectivity and engaging in collaborative marketing efforts to position the Indian Ocean region as a shared travel destination.

Fisheries and marine resource management also received attention, with President Dissanayake advocating for joint efforts in sustainable practices and requesting transit access for Sri Lankan fishing vessels navigating toward the Arabian Sea.

Environmental cooperation formed a significant part of the agenda, as both nations face the mounting threat of climate change. The Sri Lankan President presented his country’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative—a holistic plan promoting sustainable development through social, environmental, and ethical measures. Commending the Maldives’ waste management efforts under its Clean Environment Project, he proposed intensified collaboration in environmental protection and renewable energy. He reiterated Sri Lanka’s target to source 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and suggested mutual support in achieving these ambitious goals.

In the areas of defence, security, and counter-terrorism, both sides recognised the importance of sustained collaboration. Discussions also touched upon cultural exchanges, with an emphasis on the linguistic and historical kinship between Sinhala and Dhivehi—languages with common roots that reflect a deeper, shared heritage.

At the regional and global levels, both leaders pledged continued cooperation in multilateral forums and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another on the international stage.

The Sri Lankan President extended a formal invitation to President Muizzu for a return visit to Colombo, expressing confidence that the momentum generated during this visit would translate into enduring progress in bilateral relations.

Before concluding his trip, President Dissanayake is expected to address a business forum and engage with the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the Maldives—a gesture aimed at reinforcing the human dimension of diplomacy.

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