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.
