In a powerful display of regional solidarity and shared ambition, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka delivered joint press statements today at the President’s Office, cementing a renewed era of Maldives–Sri Lanka cooperation following high-level bilateral talks.
ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އާއި ސްރީލަންކާގެ ރައީސް، ގުޅިފައިވާ ބަޔާން ދެއްވުން#MaldivesSriLanka pic.twitter.com/GlByYQ8lQd
— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) July 28, 2025
Describing the Maldives and Sri Lanka as “kindred nations bound by the Indian Ocean,” President Muizzu underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbours, forged through centuries of cultural affinity and mutual respect. He noted that both countries are celebrating 60 years of formal diplomatic relations this year—relations that began on 26 July 1965, with Sri Lanka among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with an independent Maldives.
The President lauded Sri Lanka’s progress under President Disanayaka’s leadership in steering the country towards economic resilience. Expressing confidence in Sri Lanka’s future, President Muizzu remarked that the success of Sri Lanka is also a source of encouragement for the region.
The Maldivian leader further detailed the broad scope of discussions held earlier in the day, which included advancing cooperation in trade, education, youth empowerment, vocational training, defence, sports, environment, fisheries, and agriculture. President Muizzu highlighted the importance of two pivotal agreements—one treaty and a Memorandum of Understanding—exchanged during the visit as tangible outcomes of the commitment to deepen bilateral relations.
A special emphasis was placed on enhancing education sector ties, with President Muizzu praising the long-standing contribution of Sri Lankan educators to the Maldives and revealing plans for new capacity-building programmes, academic exchanges, and institutional partnerships.
Echoing these sentiments, President Disanayaka reaffirmed the significance of Maldives–Sri Lanka relations, grounded in shared history and regional cooperation. He called for the diversification of bilateral engagements in areas such as sustainable development, climate resilience, tourism, and youth-driven innovation. The Sri Lankan leader also praised the Maldives’ climate leadership and highlighted the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative as a parallel commitment to environmental sustainability.
President Disanayaka extended an invitation to President Muizzu for an official visit to Sri Lanka, further underscoring the strengthening of political and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders reiterated a shared commitment to bolster maritime security, improve consular services, and cooperate in combating illegal fishing through coordinated knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration.
As President Muizzu continues to elevate the Maldives’ diplomatic presence and regional leadership, this meeting with the Sri Lankan Head of State marks yet another milestone in the administration’s strategic foreign policy—grounded in friendship, cooperation, and mutual growth.
