President Anura Kumara Dissanayake returned to the island last night, successfully concluding his State Visit to the Maldives, which commenced on the 28th of July.

The visit was undertaken at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

During the visit, President Dissanayake engaged in extensive discussions with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Cabinet Ministers, and other senior officials of the Maldives. 

The talks focused on matters of mutual interest at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

A significant highlight of the visit was the exchange of two key agreements: a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maldives’ Foreign Service Institute and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute.

In honour of President Dissanayake’s visit, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu hosted a special dinner reception at the ‘Kurumba Maldives’ resort.

Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, President Dissanayake planted a tree at the Sultan Park in Malé.

The President also attended a Business Forum jointly organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives and the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

He also met with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in the Maldives at an event organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission.

During the visit, President Dissanayake emphasised that over the past 60 years, the political trust, close ties between the peoples of the two nations, and goodwill have formed a strong foundation for friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening this close friendship and collaboration in the years ahead.