His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed have returned to Malé following the successful conclusion of the State Visit to Sri Lanka, undertaken at the invitation of His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The State Visit, held from 3 to 6 May 2026, included a wide-ranging programme of official, ceremonial, and community engagements.

During the visit, President Dr Muizzu held official talks with President Disanayaka, focusing on further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka and identifying new avenues for cooperation. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key areas including youth development, archiving cooperation, tourism, prevention of violent extremism, academic cooperation in the defence and health sectors, and the training and professional development of school teachers. Following the official talks, both Presidents delivered press statements.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two Presidents also participated in a tree planting ceremony at Vihara Mahadevi Park.

Beyond the official talks, several senior Sri Lankan officials paid courtesy calls on the President, including the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Honourable Dr Harini Amarasuriya, the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, MP, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Honourable Vijitha Herath, MP. These engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

President Dr Muizzu also delivered the Keynote Address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum, where he encouraged greater participation from Sri Lankan investors, emphasising the importance of enhancing two-way investment flows. In addition, he attended the launch of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) products in Sri Lanka, marking the expansion of its value-added fisheries product line to regional markets.

The President and First Lady attended the State Banquet hosted in their honour by President Disanayaka, and also visited the High Commission of the Maldives, the Maldives Cultural Centre, and the Colombo National Museum.

As part of the First Lady's official engagements, she visited the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, where she toured the orthopaedic, plastic surgery, and paediatric surgery wards, and interacted with patients. She also visited the Good Market Sri Lanka Office, which showcases women-led businesses, and engaged directly with entrepreneurs. The Mayor of Colombo, Ms Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, also hosted the First Lady for a Sri Lankan tea experience.

The President and First Lady also met with members of the Maldivian community residing in Colombo. The engagement was followed by a dinner hosted in their honour by the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka.

This was President Dr Muizzu's first State Visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in November 2023. The visit followed the State Visit of President Disanayaka to the Maldives from 28 to 30 July 2025, which commemorated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

A high-level delegation comprising Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials accompanied the President and First Lady throughout the visit.

President Dr. Muizzu's State Visit to Sri Lanka

President and First Lady conclude State Visit to Sri Lanka

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed met with Maldivians residing in Colombo, during the President's State Visit to Sri Lanka.

During the engagement, President Dr Muizzu interacted with the community, inquiring about their well-being and listening to their views and concerns. The President and First Lady were accompanied by Government Ministers and senior officials.

Speaking at the event, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the longstanding friendship and close people-to-people ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He noted that discussions with the Sri Lankan government included key issues affecting Maldivians in Sri Lanka, including visa-related matters, and expressed confidence that ongoing cooperation would lead to a sustainable solution.

The President also highlighted efforts to expand economic cooperation, including plans for a Bank of Maldives (BML) presence in Sri Lanka and the introduction of Maldivian products to the Sri Lankan market, alongside strengthened collaboration in education and healthcare. He further noted steps to enhance services at the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

President Dr Muizzu continues to uphold his pledge to engage with Maldivian communities during his official overseas visits, reflecting his commitment to maintaining close ties with Maldivians abroad.

President and First Lady meet with the Maldivian community residing in Colombo

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the launch of MIFCO products in Colombo, Sri Lanka today.

The event featured the unveiling of MIFCO products and a cultural 'Malaafaiy' prepared with them, marking the expansion of its value-added fisheries product line.

Honourable Wasantha Samarasinghe, MP, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development of Sri Lanka, also attended and delivered remarks on the initiative's significance for the Strategic Trade Partnership between the two countries.

The President visited the culinary showcase area, inspected the products distributed under the brand, and sampled some of the dishes prepared.

The event was held on the sidelines of the President's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

President attends MIFCO product launch in Colombo

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in Colombo this morning, as part of the President's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, the President and First Lady were greeted by His Excellency Masood Imad, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, along with staff of the High Commission.

During the visit, the President toured the premises and inaugurated the issuance of National Identity Card and Electronic Passport services. The President and First Lady also signed the guestbook and interacted with the staff.

The President later visited the Maldives Cultural Centre in Colombo, where he reviewed the range of community services provided to Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.

The Maldives Cultural Centre is located at Sosun Villa, a landmark property that serves as an educational and cultural hub for the local Maldivian community, offering Dhivehi language classes and Islamic education.

The President and First Lady were accompanied by members of the high-level delegation throughout the visits.

President and First Lady visit Maldives High Commission in Colombo

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the Colombo National Museum today, as part of the cultural engagements during the President's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, the President and First Lady were received by senior officials of the museum and given a guided tour of its galleries, which offered an overview of Sri Lanka's rich historical narrative through exhibits showcasing the country's history, cultural heritage, and traditions.

During the visit, the President signed the Visitors' Book, expressing appreciation for the efforts undertaken to preserve and present the nation's heritage for future generations. The First Lady also signed the Visitors' Book, noting that the walk through the galleries provided meaningful insight into the stories, traditions, and artistry that have shaped the nation's identity.

Cultural engagements are aimed at fostering better understanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

President and First Lady visit Colombo National Museum

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended a State Banquet hosted in their honour by His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

At the State Banquet, President Dr Muizzu expressed his deep appreciation to President Disanayaka, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him, the First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation.

He described Sri Lanka as a close and trusted neighbour with whom the Maldives shares a long history of friendship, built through education, healthcare, and strong people-to-people connections.

The President further described the visit as a celebration of the bond between the two countries. He acknowledged Sri Lanka's support for the Maldives' development and underlined the importance of deepening collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, education, and ocean conservation. Emphasising shared challenges, particularly climate change, the President called for continued joint advocacy and innovation.

President Dr Muizzu underscored the gratitude Maldivians hold for Sri Lankans and reaffirmed that it is the close ties between the peoples of both countries that give true meaning to diplomatic relations. He expressed confidence that the Maldives–Sri Lanka friendship will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

Cabinet Ministers and other senior officials from both the Maldivian and Sri Lankan governments were also in attendance at the banquet.

The President and First Lady are currently undertaking their first State Visit to Sri Lanka from 3 to 6 May 2026.

President and First Lady attend State Banquet in Sri Lanka

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended a Sri Lankan tea experience hosted by Ms Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, the Mayor of Colombo, today at Siri Nivasa, the official residence of the Mayor.

The experience featured a tea brewing and tea pairing session, as well as presentation of an art exhibition by school children titled 'Tomorrow's Colombo.' During the engagement, the First Lady and the Mayor exchanged insights on social development and their philanthropic work. It concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening people-centred initiatives and fostering closer ties.

The event was part of the First Lady's official engagements during His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

First Lady attends Sri Lankan Tea Experience hosted by Mayor of Colombo

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered the Keynote Address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum held in Colombo today, highlighting the indispensable role played by the private sector in shaping the country's economic destiny.

In his remarks, the President stated that the Maldives is at a pivotal moment in its developmental journey, guided by Vision 2040 — a commitment to building a fully developed, inclusive, and sustainable nation. He underscored that this vision is rooted in the belief that development must be people-centric, technology-enabled, and environmentally responsible.

The President stated that private sector–led growth has been placed at the heart of the national agenda. He further noted that the Government is advancing a decisive and ambitious reform programme to facilitate business, incentivise investment, and empower entrepreneurs. He highlighted the modernised Foreign Investment Law and revised Foreign Investment Entry Requirements, designed to bring clarity, predictability, and transparency for investors.

President Dr Muizzu further noted amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act as a transformative step designed to take the Maldives into its next phase of growth. He reflected on the growing investor confidence in the Maldives as a rising digital hub in the Indian Ocean, signalling to international investors that the Maldives is not only open for business, but actively shaping the future of technology-driven growth.

Emphasising cooperation, the President stated that Sri Lanka is a central partner in this journey, noting its role in tourism, construction, and services. He invited collaboration in infrastructure development, sustainable tourism models, digital innovation, and food security, and stressed the importance of two-way investment flows for a balanced and durable economic partnership. President Dr Muizzu also emphasised the importance of driving innovation, embracing resilience, and shared leadership across the region.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, highlighted that the forum represents a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, underscoring the Administration's clear focus on fiscal discipline, economic resilience, and long-term growth. He noted that despite global economic challenges, the Government has maintained macroeconomic stability while advancing major infrastructure projects and implementing reforms aimed at diversifying the economy beyond tourism.

The forum also included a Special Address by Honourable Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who remarked on the strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries.

The forum featured a presentation on Maldives–Sri Lanka bilateral relations and a showcase of investment opportunities in the Maldives, including opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.

The forum was attended by business sector delegations from both countries, and concluded with networking discussions among participants aimed at strengthening business linkages and identifying avenues for future cooperation between the two countries.

President highlights private sector's indispensable role in shaping the economy

In his remarks, the President stated that the Maldives is at a pivotal moment in its developmental journey, guided by Vision 2040 — a commitment to building a fully developed, inclusive, and sustainable nation. He underscored that this vision is rooted in the belief that development must be people-centric, technology-enabled, and environmentally responsible.The President stated that private sector–led growth has been placed at the heart of the national agenda. He further noted that the Government is advancing a decisive and ambitious reform programme to facilitate business, incentivise investment, and empower entrepreneurs.

He highlighted the modernised Foreign Investment Law and revised Foreign Investment Entry Requirements, designed to bring clarity, predictability, and transparency for investors.President Dr Muizzu further noted amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act as a transformative step designed to take the Maldives into its next phase of growth.

He reflected on the growing investor confidence in the Maldives as a rising digital hub in the Indian Ocean, signalling to international investors that the Maldives is not only open for business, but actively shaping the future of technology-driven growth.Emphasising cooperation, the President stated that Sri Lanka is a central partner in this journey, noting its role in tourism, construction, and services.

He invited collaboration in infrastructure development, sustainable tourism models, digital innovation, and food security, and stressed the importance of two-way investment flows for a balanced and durable economic partnership. President Dr Muizzu also emphasised the importance of driving innovation, embracing resilience, and shared leadership across the region.

The forum was attended by business sector delegations from both countries, and concluded with networking discussions among participants aimed at strengthening business linkages and identifying avenues for future cooperation between the two countries. 

The event featured the unveiling of MIFCO products and a cultural 'Malaafaiy' prepared with them, marking the expansion of its value-added fisheries product line.Honourable Wasantha Samarasinghe, MP, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development of Sri Lanka, also attended and delivered remarks on the initiative's significance for the Strategic Trade Partnership between the two countries.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the Good Market Sri Lanka Office today, as part of her official engagements during the ongoing State Visit of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to Sri Lanka.

During the visit, organised by Good Market at 80 Club, the First Lady was given a guided tour of exhibits showcasing women-led businesses, including sustainable food and wellness products, ethical fashion and lifestyle brands, and community-based enterprises.

The First Lady engaged directly with entrepreneurs, exchanging views on entrepreneurship, sustainability and social impact, and exploring potential avenues for collaboration and partnership. She underscored the importance of empowering women-led enterprises and fostering cross-border connections that contribute to inclusive economic growth.

The visit highlighted the importance of people-to-people engagement and the enhancement of cultural ties that have existed for generations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Good Market Sri Lanka supports inclusive and sustainable businesses by promoting ethical production and responsible consumption.

First Lady visits Good Market Sri Lanka

The Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Honourable Dr Harini Amarasuriya, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today.

During the call, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries and exploring new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including hospitality and tourism, healthcare, education, vocational training and broader socio-economic development.

President Dr Muizzu also commended the Sri Lankan government's efforts to recover from the socio-economic challenges following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah last year.

The President and Prime Minister also underscored the valuable contributions of the Sri Lankan community in the Maldives to national development, as well as those of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka to Sri Lanka's own development.

The President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed are currently undertaking a State Visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Sri Lankan President, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, from 3 to 6 May 2026.

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka pays a courtesy call on the President 

The Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament, Honourable (Dr) Jagath Wickramaratne, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today, during the President's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

During their discussions, the President and the Speaker highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries, spanning both government-to-government relations and close ties between their peoples.The call also focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation through the Maldives-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Sri Lanka-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association, with both sides emphasising the importance of deepening institutional partnerships, particularly through capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing between parliamentary bodies.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to explore new avenues for cooperation and to facilitate future exchanges between lawmakers, reflecting a shared commitment to further strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Maldives and Sri Lanka celebrated 60 years of formal diplomatic relations in July 2025.

Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament pays a courtesy call on the President

At the State Banquet, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed his deep appreciation to President Disanayaka, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him, the First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) today, as part of the President's ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, the First Lady was welcomed by the hospital's executive management and given an introductory presentation. She then toured the orthopaedic and plastic surgery ward, as well as the paediatric surgery ward, interacting with patients.

During the visit, the First Lady signed the guestbook, commending the hospital's remarkable work in safeguarding children's health and well-being, and its resilient contribution to paediatric care.

Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children is the largest free paediatric hospital in Sri Lanka.

First Lady visits Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has delivered a press statement at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, as part of his ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu commenced his statement by noting that it was a great honour to be in Colombo. The President expressed sincere gratitude to President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to his delegation.

President Dr Muizzu noted that the State Visit marks not only a reaffirmation of close neighbourly ties, but also the beginning of a renewed and forward-looking partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The President took note of the highly productive discussions with President Disanayaka covering a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) exchanged earlier today. He emphasised that the focus now is on delivery and implementation to ensure tangible benefits for the people of both countries.

Taking note of economic cooperation as a central pillar of the discussions, President Dr Muizzu expressed appreciation for the significant contributions of Sri Lankan nationals to the development of the Maldives, as well as the valued presence of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka. He reiterated the commitment to expanding trade and investment, creating a more enabling, investor-friendly environment, and unlocking new business opportunities.

The President highlighted that the upcoming Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum will serve as a key platform to connect businesses and investors from both countries. He emphasised that education and youth empowerment are national priorities, with both countries agreeing to strengthen collaboration in higher education, vocational training, skills development, and institutional partnerships to equip young people for the future. He further noted the importance of sustainable fisheries management, marine protection, and maritime security cooperation.

The President also highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, culture, and shared heritage, with plans to expand cooperation through cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and social development initiatives.On global issues, President Dr Muizzu stated that climate change remains an existential threat to both countries, reaffirming commitments to stronger international advocacy, joint environmental initiatives, and collective action for climate resilience.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu concluded by stating that the visit marks the beginning of a new and dynamic chapter in Maldives–Sri Lanka relations, reaffirming the Maldives' steadfast commitment to deepening the partnership, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.

President delivers a press statement following official talks in Sri Lanka

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu participated in a tree planting ceremony today, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival at Vihara Mahadevi Park in Colombo, the President was warmly received by His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The two Presidents then planted ‘Horsfieldia iryaghedhi’ trees, a critically endangered species endemic to Sri Lanka.

The tree planting symbolises the close bilateral relations and the continued growth of the enduring friendship between the two countries. It also reflects the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations.

The event was held as part of the official programme of President Dr Muizzu's ongoing State Visit, which includes a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation on mutually beneficial issues.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 26 July 1965, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have maintained strong and friendly relations, built on mutual respect and longstanding people-to-people connections.

President joins commemorative tree planting ceremony in Sri Lanka

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was accorded an official ceremonial welcome today at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, marking the commencement of his State Visit to Sri Lanka.

The President was warmly received by His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The ceremony commenced with a gun salute, followed by President Dr Muizzu inspecting the Guard of Honour presented by the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces. Following the honours, the two Presidents took part in the introduction of delegations. During this segment, President Dr Muizzu was introduced to Sri Lanka's Cabinet and senior government officials, while members of the Maldivian delegation were introduced to President Disanayaka.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed accompanied the President at the ceremony, alongside Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials of the Maldives. The two Presidents later joined for an official photograph together, after which President Dr Muizzu signed the Visitors Book.

President Dr Muizzu arrived in Colombo on a State Visit at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka previously undertook a State Visit to the Maldives in July 2025 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

President accorded an official ceremonial welcome in Sri Lanka

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have arrived in Sri Lanka on a State Visit.

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the President and First Lady were received by the Honourable Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

A welcome ceremony was held in their honour featuring a cultural performance by a cultural troupe, following which the President signed the official guest book.

The State Visit is taking place at the invitation of His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, from 3 to 6 May 2026.

President and First Lady arrive in Sri Lanka on State Visit

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed this afternoon on a State Visit to Sri Lanka.

The visit, undertaken at the invitation of His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, will take place from 3 to 6 May 2026.

During the visit, the President will meet Sri Lankan leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation across key sectors, including education and vocational training, economic collaboration, governance, heritage, and engagement in international forums. Both Presidents will also witness the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding.

In addition, the President will attend the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum and meet the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka.

This visit is expected to further deepen the longstanding and close ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka across areas of mutual interest. It follows President Disanayaka's State Visit to the Maldives from 28 to 30 July 2025, which marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka were established on 26 July 1

President Dr. Muizzu's State Visit to Sri Lanka

President and First Lady conclude State Visit to Sri Lanka

President and First Lady meet with the Maldivian community residing in Colombo

President attends MIFCO product launch in Colombo

President and First Lady visit Maldives High Commission in Colombo

President and First Lady visit Colombo National Museum

President and First Lady attend State Banquet in Sri Lanka

President and First Lady visit Colombo National Museum

First Lady attends Sri Lankan Tea Experience hosted by Mayor of Colombo

President highlights private sector's indispensable role in shaping the economy

President highlights private sector's indispensable role in shaping the economy

President attends MIFCO product launch in Colombo

First Lady visits Good Market Sri Lanka

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka pays a courtesy call on the President

Speaker of Sri Lanka's Parliament pays a courtesy call on the President

President and First Lady attend State Banquet in Sri Lanka

First Lady visits Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo

President delivers a press statement following official talks in Sri Lanka

President joins commemorative tree planting ceremony in Sri Lanka

President accorded an official ceremonial welcome in Sri Lanka

President and First Lady arrive in Sri Lanka on State Visit

President and First Lady depart for Sri Lanka on State Visit