Sri Lanka will begin issuing one-year visas to Maldivians travelling to the country for medical treatment, the Sri Lankan government announced during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ongoing state visit to the Maldives.
Speaking after official talks with Dissanayake on Monday, President Mohamed Muizzu expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for what he described as a “significant move” benefiting a large number of Maldivians.
“I want to thank the Sri Lankan government for its recent decision to grant one-year visas to Maldivians who are married to Sri Lankans and to those travelling for medical treatment,” Muizzu said.
Muizzu noted that the two countries held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations in several areas, including defence, trade, education, training, youth, and sports. He added that cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, and environmental initiatives was also on the agenda.
The president highlighted Sri Lanka’s historic role in the Maldives’ foreign relations, pointing out that it was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the island nation after independence. He expressed hope that Dissanayake’s visit would further solidify the longstanding relationship.
Sri Lanka remains one of the most visited destinations by Maldivians, with many travelling there for tourism, education, and medical services.