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.
