In commemoration of the Maldives Republic Day, celebrated on 11th of November, the Maldives High Commission in Sri Lanka inaugurated the much-anticipated art exhibition titled “ނަލަ ދިވެހި ރާއްޖެ "Nala Dhivehi Raajje - A Visual Journey through the Maldives. This exhibition comprises a collection of paintings by popular Maldivian artist Mr. Abdullah Faiz.  

The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Ms. Deepa Liyanage, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security and Mass Media. Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, private sector and art lovers were also in attendance.  

In his remarks, High Commissioner H.E. Masood Imad conveyed greeting on behalf of the High Commission and staff to HE President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the people of Maldives. He noted that the Republic Day not only signifies a political shift that occurred on 11 November 1968, but is also a celebration of the resilience, strength, and spirit of the Maldivian people. He added that it is a day to reflect on the journey Maldives has undertaken as a nation, from early struggles to achievements, and to renew commitment to the ideals of equality, justice, and the pursuit of progress. He thanked Additional Secretary, Ms. Deepa Liyanage for gracing the occasion as the chief guest and all invitees for their presence at this auspicious occasion. Further, High Commissioner Masood commended Mr. Faiz for his immense talent and his role in ensuring such a colourful celebration of the Republic Day, as well as fostering cultural exchange between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.  

Ms. Deepa Liyanage in her speech highlighted the close relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka – based on shared values and culture, in addition to geographical proximity. She emphasized the importance of cultural exchange to forge closer people to people connections and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Recounting his experience, Abdullah Faiz said that he is mostly a self-taught artist, although his artistic journey began with a solid foundation in art in his early years. He expressed appreciation to his Sri Lankan art teacher who inspired him and laid the foundation that shaped him to become the impressionist artist he is today.   

On 12^th November, Foreign Secretary H.E. Aruni Wijewardane also visited the Exhibition. High Commissioner  H.E. Masood Imad expressed his gratitude to her for the support, acknowledging her commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.   

This unique exhibition features a collection of both historical and contemporary works that depict the breathtaking landscapes of the Maldivian islands, as well as its vibrant culture and the daily lives of the Maldivian people. The display offers an insightful and artistic perspective of the Maldives, showcasing its rich heritage and natural beauty. The collection also includes select works that explore the natural beauty, diversity and culture of Sri Lanka, and the deeply intertwined relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The exhibition is held at the J.D.A. Perera Gallery, University of Visual and

Performing Arts, Horton Place, Colombo 7 and is open to the public from 11th to 12th November 2024, from 9.30 to 8.30pm.

            High Commissioner of Maldives to Sri Lanka, H.E Masood Imad met with the Secretary, Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Defence complex, Jayawardenapura Kotte.

            High Commissioner Masood congratulated the AVM (Retd) Thuyacontha on being appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. High Commissioner Masood highlighted the invaluable assistance and strong support rendered to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by the armed forces of Sri Lanka. H.E Masood Imad reiterated Maldives’ commitment to collaborate with Sri Lanka to address shared threat and challenges, especially in the maritime domain.

            High Commissioner Masood and Defence Secretary discussed the enduring and close bilateral and people to people relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. They noted the mutually beneficial economic contributions of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan community in the Maldives. High Commissioner Masood highlighted that unfortunately, the number of Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka has gone down significantly, one key factor being the challenges faced in obtaining residence visas. Defence Secretary assured that he will look into the matter, as having more Maldivians reside in Sri Lanka is a win-win situation for both countries.

            Defence Secretary noted the fraternal relation between the armed forces of both Sri Lanka and Maldives. He also highlighted the complexity of the current strategic environment and stressed the importance of working together towards regional peace and stability. Secretary Defence assured that Sri Lanka will continue to provide the necessary support and assistance to the MNDF.

            The Defence Advisor of Maldives to Sri Lanka, Colonel Hassan Amir conveyed felicitation to the Defence Secretary on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the Chief of Defence Force of MNDF and senior officials. Colonel Amir stated that the defence cooperation relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka has significantly increased, and highlighted recent collaborations such as EX DOSTI, EX BLUE WHALE, the EOD training and the training of MNDF Special Forces. Colonel Amir also stated that MNDF is grateful for the training assistance from Sri Lanka Armed Forces, and MNDF would be keen to explore avenues to further enhance and strengthen the defence cooperation relationship.

High Commissioner Masood Imad paid a courtesy call on H.E Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, at the Office of the Prime Minister in Colombo.

High Commissioner congratulated Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on her appointment as the Prime Minister, and also conveyed greetings and felicitations from the President of the Maldives, H.E Dr. Muizzu and Foreign Minister, H.E Dr. Khaleel.

High Commissioner and Prime Minister recalled the close and historic bonds between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, as close neighbours and development partners, noting the civilisational and cultural links between the two countries.

High Commissioner Masood Imad highlighted the role of \i Lankan teachers and educators as the architects of modern education system in the Maldives, and in human resources development. He added that Sri Lanka continues to be a second home for many Maldivians, residing for education and medical purposes, as well as for Maldivians travelling for leisure. High Commissioner also noted the contribution of the Sri Lankan expatriate workers to the Maldives, especially in the tourism industry and the importance of the Sri Lankan banking sector in the Maldives.  High Commissioner Masood and Prime Minister Dr. Harini agreed that there is much scope to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya referred to the common challenges faced by island nations, and noted that there is much more work to be done together in areas such as climate change,  and sustainable development. Prime Minister Dr. Harini also expressed her appreciation  to the Government of Maldives for their support to Sri Lanka in the regional, international and multilateral  spheres.

High Commissioner Masood Imad and Prime Minister Dr. Harini  Amarasuriya ended the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to work together to further promote the bilateral and people to people relations between the two countries for mutual benefit.