Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has hosted a meeting with a delegation led by Maldivian Parliament ‘People’s Majlis’ Speaker Mohamed Aslam. The meeting, held on 16 January, marked an official visit by Speaker Aslam at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart.
The Maldivian delegation comprised Parliamentarians Ali Azim, Ali Niyaz, and Hussain Shaheem, along with Secretary General of the People’s Majlis Fathimath Niusha and other officials. The delegation engaged in discussions to promote stronger ties between the two nations. Acting Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Chaminda Kularatne, was also present at the meeting.
Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana pointed out the historically close relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives within the SAARC region. Speaker Abeywardana expressed his commitment to further fortify this bond, especially among the people of the two nations. He expressed gratitude for the international support Sri Lanka has received from the Maldives and highlighted his belief in continued collaboration in the future.
In response, Speaker Aslam expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and the invitation for an official visit. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s role in providing essential facilities, such as education and health services, to the people of the Maldives. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of SriLankan Airlines, Bank of Ceylon, and other leading companies in the Maldives’ business sector. He expressed his hope for maintaining a close relationship between the two countries’ parliaments.
Discussions between the delegations extended beyond diplomatic niceties, delving into the parliamentary committee system and the legislative processes of both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The dialogue underscored the commitment of both nations to share insights and best practices in governance.
Following the meeting, the Maldivian delegation took a tour of the Sri Lankan Parliament and engaged in discussions with members of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association. The visit is expected to set the stage for more collaborative efforts in various sectors, promoting a stronger bond between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.