President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed returned to Malé on Tuesday following the conclusion of a four-day state visit to Sri Lanka, described as a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The visit, held from May 3 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, featured a series of official engagements, bilateral meetings, economic forums, and community interactions.
During official talks in Colombo, President Muizzu and President Disanayaka discussed expanding cooperation across key sectors and witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, youth development, archiving cooperation, prevention of violent extremism, defence and health sector academic cooperation, and teacher training and professional development.
The two leaders also participated in a tree planting ceremony at Vihara Mahadevi Park to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
As part of the high-level engagements, President Muizzu met several senior Sri Lankan officials, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional partnership.
President Muizzu also delivered the keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum, encouraging increased Sri Lankan investment in the Maldives and stronger two-way trade flows. During the visit, he attended the launch of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company products in Sri Lanka, marking the company’s expansion into regional markets.
The President and First Lady further attended a state banquet hosted in their honour and visited the Maldives High Commission, the Maldives Cultural Centre, and the Colombo National Museum.
Meanwhile, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed carried out separate official engagements, including visits to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children and Good Market Sri Lanka, where she met healthcare workers, patients, and women entrepreneurs.
The President and First Lady also met with the Maldivian community residing in Colombo before concluding the visit.
This marked President Muizzu’s first state visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in November 2023.
