On 25 February 2025, High Commissioner H.E. Masood Imad paid a courtesy call on the President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Anura Kumara Disanayake. During the meeting, High Commissioner congratulated the President and the Government of Sri Lanka for the unprecedented electoral successes and their efforts towards socio-economic recovery. High Commissioner Imad also expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan Government for its continued support and hospitality extended to the Maldives and its people. He highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, particularly in education and healthcare. He also raised concerns over visa restrictions that have significantly reduced the Maldivian population in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for a resolution to facilitate medical and educational opportunities for Maldivians. High Commissioner expressed appreciation for the contributions made by Sri Lankan expatriate workers in the Maldives, noting they are a significant of remittances to the Sri Lankan economy.

President Anura Kumara reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with the Maldives, acknowledging the security-related visa challenges, while assuring efforts to review and ease restrictions.

President Hon. Anura Kumara Disanayake and High Commissioner Imad   also discussed enhancing bilateral relations, in key areas including tourism, trade and investment and security cooperation.

President Hon. Anura Kumara Disanayake welcomed the invitation extended by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives to visit the Maldives to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in July this year, underscoring his commitment to further enhance the Maldives-Sri Lanka ties.

High Commissioner H.E. Masood Imad, attended the 15th Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF), held from January 24th to 26th at the Muttraweli grounds in the Northern Peninsula. During his visit, High Commissioner Masood engaged with exhibitors, toured various stalls, and gained valuable insights into the diverse range of products and services on display.

The JITF, an annual event that has been a key platform in the region for the past 14 years, attracted over 300 exhibitors representing sectors such as sustainable energy, agriculture, construction, healthcare, tourism, and information technology. This year’s edition further emphasized the fair’s role in supporting startups, established businesses, and regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors.

Organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS), the event underscored the Northern Province’s economic potential, providing opportunities for businesses to showcase innovative solutions in industries including food and beverage, packaging, and hospitality. LECS’s efforts to foster economic development were commended by both industry leaders and government officials.

The Jaffna International Trade Fair continues to serve as a vital catalyst for business development and regional collaboration, further integrating the Northern region into Sri Lanka’s national economic framework.

High Commissioner H.E. Masood Imad, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, both dignitaries engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing Maldives-Sri Lanka cooperation in the fisheries sector. The discussion focused on key areas including industry growth, capacity building, and promoting sustainable fishing practices to benefit both nations.

Both High Commissioner and Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges in the fisheries industry, and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Maldives in this vital sector.

This visit emphasizes the strong partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka and the shared commitment to fostering sustainable economic development in the region.