President Muizzu described Colombo as a city that reflects the shared history, resilience, and close friendship between the two nations.
During the discussions, both leaders agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, health, defence and security, education, youth and sports development, fisheries, environment, and social development.
President Muizzu stated that several agreements were concluded during the visit, strengthening collaboration in higher education and training, archival cooperation, healthcare, defence, youth and sports development, and tourism.
He stressed that the priority going forward will be implementation, ensuring that signed agreements deliver real and practical benefits to the people of both countries.
Economic cooperation was a key focus, with President Muizzu acknowledging the contribution of Sri Lankan professionals in the Maldives, while also highlighting the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka. Both sides expressed commitment to increasing trade and investment flows, improving the business environment, and expanding new opportunities.
He also noted discussions on specific initiatives, including the possible establishment of a Bank of Maldives presence in Sri Lanka and the introduction of premium Maldivian fisheries products into the Sri Lankan market. Addressing trade imbalance was also identified as an important step toward a more equitable economic relationship.
Education and youth empowerment were also emphasized, with agreement to strengthen cooperation in higher education, vocational training, skills development for emerging industries, institutional partnerships, and knowledge exchange.
As Indian Ocean island nations, both countries reaffirmed their shared responsibility in sustainable fisheries management, marine resource protection, and maritime security cooperation. The Maldives also appreciated Sri Lanka’s support through training programs, joint exercises, and capacity building.
Climate change was identified as a major common challenge, with both leaders reaffirming commitment to stronger international advocacy, joint environmental action, and building climate resilience.
President Muizzu said the visit signals the start of a more dynamic phase in Maldives–Sri Lanka relations, focused on regional cooperation, peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at the event, reaffirmed the deep historical ties between the two countries and expressed gratitude to the Maldivian government and people for their support during Sri Lanka’s recent challenges.
He said bilateral discussions reviewed the current scope of cooperation and emphasized climate change as a shared existential threat requiring joint action in international forums.
President Dissanayake also announced a reciprocal diplomatic arrangement, noting that Sri Lanka has allocated land in Colombo for the Maldives High Commission, while the Maldives has allocated land in Malé for the Sri Lanka High Commission, describing it as a symbol of mutual trust and goodwill.
He concluded by stating that Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting all positive initiatives that further strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
