President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have returned to Malé following the conclusion of an official state visit to Sri Lanka, held from May 3 to May 6.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marked President Muizzu’s first state visit to the country since assuming office in November 2023.
During the visit, the Maldivian President held official talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, focusing on strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and identifying new areas of cooperation. The discussions covered a broad range of sectors, reflecting efforts to deepen engagement between the two countries.
A key outcome of the visit was the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at enhancing collaboration in areas such as youth development, tourism, archiving, education, and efforts to counter violent extremism. Agreements were also reached on cooperation in defence and health sectors, including training and professional development initiatives.
Both leaders addressed the media following their discussions, outlining their shared commitment to advancing bilateral ties.
To mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the two Presidents also participated in a commemorative tree-planting ceremony at Vihara Mahadevi Park.
The visit included a series of high-level engagements, with senior Sri Lankan officials, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, meeting President Muizzu. Other interactions involved parliamentary and foreign affairs representatives, underscoring the breadth of cooperation being pursued.
President Muizzu also delivered a keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum, encouraging increased investment flows between the two countries. In addition, he attended the launch of products by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) in Sri Lanka, marking an expansion of Maldivian fisheries products into regional markets.
As part of their programme, the President and First Lady attended a state banquet hosted in their honour, visited the Maldives High Commission, the Maldives Cultural Centre, and the Colombo National Museum.
The First Lady also undertook separate engagements, including visits to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, where she met patients and staff, and the Good Market Sri Lanka office, which supports women-led businesses. She also attended a cultural engagement hosted by Colombo’s mayor.
The President and First Lady further met with members of the Maldivian community residing in Colombo during the visit.
The state visit followed the Sri Lankan President’s visit to the Maldives in July 2025, which marked six decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Officials say the latest engagements reaffirm the commitment of both countries to further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
