Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake departed the Maldives on Wednesday night, concluding a three-day state visit that marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Indian Ocean neighbours.
Dissanayake, who assumed office in September 2024, was in the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. His visit included official talks, a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé, and the signing of two key agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The two countries formalised a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic training between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI). They also signed a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which had earlier received approval from the Maldivian cabinet.
During the visit, Sri Lanka announced that it would begin issuing one-year visas to Maldivians travelling for medical treatment and to Maldivians married to Sri Lankan citizens. President Muizzu described the decision as a “significant move” that would benefit many Maldivians.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in multiple sectors, including education, trade, youth development, fisheries, agriculture, food security, climate action, maritime safety, and air connectivity. Dissanayake also invited Maldivian businesses to invest in Sri Lanka, citing opportunities in IT, fisheries, agro-processing, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure.
With input from Sandun Arosha Fernando, Senior Political Correspondent, Maldives Republic