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.

High Commissioner Masood Imad participated at the meeting organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Colombo-based diplomatic corps. At the event, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that on 23rd September 2024, following a transparent and peaceful electoral process, H.E. the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. On 24 September, according to the relevant constitutional procedures, H.E. the President dissolved the then Parliament, and the Parliamentary Election is scheduled to be held 14 November 2024. He highlighted that they are still going through a transition election period.

Until the conclusion of the Parliamentary Election, a Cabinet of three Ministers including H.E. the President is looking after 15 Ministries. While serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Herath himself is looking after five more Ministries. This is the reason why he has not been able to meet most of them individually – and hoped to make closer contact after the parliamentary election.

Foreign Minister Herath also briefed on important developments in the country. He shared that productive discussions were held with the visiting IMF team who reiterated their support to Sri Lanka. This government will work closely with the team on the next phase relating to the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and the related reform program. Sri Lanka has decided to apply for the membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank. More details on : https://mfa.gov.lk/remark-by-hon-mfa/

In his interaction with the Foreign Minister, High Commissioner Masood congratulated Foreign Minister Herath on his appointment, and reiterated the close relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. High Commissioner assured full support of the Maldives to the new government of Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner His Excellency Masood Imad delivered a keynote address at the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council, highlighting the immense potential for trade and investment collaboration between the two nations.

Addressing the Council as Chief Guest, the High Commissioner underscored the strong historical ties and shared values between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, providing a solid foundation for economic partnership. He emphasized the growing Maldivian market for Sri Lankan products, particularly in tourism industry, agriculture, food processing, textiles, and construction materials.

To capitalize on these opportunities, High Commissioner Masood Imad urged Sri Lankan businesses to focus on quality assurance, market research, and efficient logistics. He also outlined investment prospects in Maldives, emphasizing sectors like tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, and fisheries. The High Commissioner encouraged Sri Lankan investors to explore partnerships with Maldivian counterparts to develop high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and sustainable tourism projects.

In the realm of tourism, High Commissioner Masood Imad proposed joint marketing campaigns, integrated travel packages, and cultural exchanges to enhance the appeal of both countries as tourist destinations. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations through regular business forums, trade missions, and collaborative research initiatives.

Concluding his address, the High Commissioner commended the efforts and achievements of the Council to promote trade between the two countries. High Commissioner Masood Imad expressed confidence in the potential of the Maldives-Sri Lanka partnership and called for concerted efforts to unlock its full potential – through the creation of a conducive business environment to foster growth and prosperity for both nations.

The Sri Lanka – Maldives Business Council, the 19th Bilateral Business Council under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was launched on 25th May, 2007. The need to establish the Sri Lanka – Maldives Bilateral Business Council originated following a recommendation made at the Sri Lanka – Maldives Joint Commission held in 2006. The prime objectives of the Council are promotion of trade/ investment, services, tourism and joint ventures between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives.