News Desk
Seven Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged between Sri Lanka and the Maldives in Colombo today, marking a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation across several key sectors during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s State Visit.
The agreements included the renewal of cooperation in tourism and sports and youth development, as well as new arrangements on archiving, academic collaboration and professional development for teachers and school leaders. An MoU on defence cooperation was signed alongside the renewal of an agreement covering defence education, training and research.
The signing took place at the President’s Office following official talks between President Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening long-standing ties between the two neighbouring countries.
President Muizzu arrived in Sri Lanka on 4 May for a three-day State Visit, his first since taking office in 2023. The formal welcome ceremony was held this morning at the Presidential Secretariat, where he was received by President Dissanayake.
The ceremony opened with a gun salute. President Muizzu then inspected a Guard of Honour presented by the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces. Delegations from both countries were introduced, with the Maldivian President meeting Sri Lanka’s Cabinet and senior officials, while President Dissanayake greeted members of the Maldivian delegation. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the ceremony with Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials. The two leaders later posed for an official photograph, after which President Muizzu signed the Visitors Book.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport on Sunday, President Muizzu was received by Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya. A ceremonial guard of honour by the Sri Lanka Air Force and a welcome by schoolchildren carrying the national flags of both countries marked the occasion. The visit coincides with the sixty-first anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
During the visit, President Muizzu also met Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath. The two sides reflected on six decades of diplomatic relations built on shared values and mutual respect. They agreed to expand cooperation in environmental conservation, tourism, trade and other development priorities.
President Muizzu and his delegation are scheduled to participate in a business forum in Colombo aimed at exploring new investment opportunities and strengthening economic engagement between the two countries.
The President and First Lady will conclude their visit on 6 May.
