The Governments of the Maldives and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in sports development, placing special emphasis on athlete training and technical collaboration. The decision came during a high-level meeting held on May 17, 2025, between top sports officials from both countries.
The discussions were led by Maldivian Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Kumara Gamage. Also present were Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner to the Maldives, Thimuthu Sanjika Dissanayake, and senior officials from both sides.
A key outcome of the meeting was a mutual commitment to launch an Athlete Exchange Programme aimed at providing structured short-term and long-term training opportunities for Maldivian athletes in Sri Lanka. The initiative is expected to tap into Sri Lanka’s established sports infrastructure and coaching expertise to bolster athlete performance in the Maldives.
“Sri Lanka has long been a partner in supporting the Maldives’ journey in sports development,” Minister Rafiu noted during the talks. “This programme will open up valuable opportunities for our athletes and deepen people-to-people ties between our nations.”
Minister Gamage echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of regional cooperation in nurturing talent and fostering youth engagement through sport.
The two nations also reviewed existing technical collaborations. Sri Lanka currently contributes to Maldivian sports through expert coaches working in local sports academies, especially in disciplines like athletics, martial arts, and team sports.
The meeting explored expanding this technical support to cover additional sporting disciplines and coaching certification programmes. Officials emphasized that improving coaching standards and access to quality training is essential for raising the Maldives’ competitive edge in regional and international arenas.
Both governments underscored their commitment to strengthening youth development through sport, viewing it not only as a tool for national progress but also as a bridge for regional solidarity.
The upcoming collaboration is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper engagement across sports policy, infrastructure development, and athlete welfare, marking a significant step forward in the Maldives–Sri Lanka sports partnership.
