On July 22, 2025, High Commissioner H.E Masood Imad hosted a reception to commemorate the 60th Independence Day of Maldives and six decades of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka, at Cinnamon Life in Colombo. The vibrant gala reception, attended by eminent diplomats and dignitaries, government officials, business leaders and prominent members of the Maldivian community, highlighted the enduring partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, rooted in mutual respect, traditions, culture and shared values.

The Chief Guest of the event, Honourable Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, in his address, congratulated the Maldives on the two historic milestones and reaffirmed Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to support Maldives’ development, and in areas of mutual interest, in bilateral and multilateral spheres. Delivering his remarks, High Commissioner Imad reflected on the nation’s journey as a protectorate of the British from 1887 to 1965, noting that the decree of independence from the British was signed in Colombo, and that Sri Lanka was the first country to acknowledge Maldives' sovereignty. High Commissioner Imad reiterated the close relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka dating back centuries, and cooperation in key areas including education, health, defence, capacity building and trade, among others. He also emphasized that strong people-to-people connections are crucial to the relationship between the two nations.

The celebration featured Maldivian cultural displays, traditional cuisine, and performances, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral bonds. The event underscored the significance of trust, transparency, and cooperative efforts to sustain the enduring bonds of friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The Maldives High Commission in Colombo marked the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives with a day of celebrations reflecting national pride and cultural unity.

The celebrations commenced in the morning with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony at the High Commission, attended by the staff of the High Commission and representatives from Maldives Cultural Centre.

In the afternoon, the High Commission hosted the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka for a lively celebration. The event showcased a vibrant display of Maldivian culture, featuring traditional dance performances presented by students from the Maldives Cultural Centre in Colombo.

Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with cultural pride, including a tea reception offering authentic Maldivian cuisine, as well as special entertainment for children. High Commissioner Masood Imad addressed the gathering, extending warm greetings and emphasizing the importance of the milestone.

The celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of key members of the Sri Lankan business community and Maldivian supporters, alongside dedicated staff and volunteers from the High Commission and Maldives Cultural Centre. The event exemplified unity and cultural solidarity, honoring the island nation's historic achievement.

Maldives Independence Day is celebrated annually on 26^th of July, commemorating the day the Maldives gained full independence from the British. Maldives became a protectorate of the United Kingdom in 1887, which ended on 26^thJuly 1965. The agreement was signed in Colombo, between the British High Commissioner Michael Walker, on behalf of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir, for the Government of the Maldives.

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.