Joint action needed to curb smuggling operations: President Anura
05-May-2026.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed that joint action is necessary to prevent the sea borders of both countries from being used for various smuggling operations and security threats.
He made these remarks while addressing a joint media briefing attended by the Presidents of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, held at the Presidential Secretariat on May 4.
The President further stated that Sri Lanka had the opportunity to visit the Maldives in July 2025, describing it as a country of breathtaking beauty. During that visit, which marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations, he extended an invitation to the Maldivian President to undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka. He expressed his gratitude to President Muizzu for accepting the invitation.
He noted that Sri Lanka and the Maldives are two beautiful nations that hold mutual respect for one another, with hospitable people and compassionate hearts. Official diplomatic relations between the two countries began on 26 July 1965, coinciding with the day the Maldives gained independence. However, he said the relationship predates official ties, stretching back several centuries.
According to historical records, the Mahavamsa states that a segment of the group that arrived with Prince Vijaya settled in the Maldives. Based on this, he said, the relationship between the two countries is rooted in centuries-old bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and close cultural and linguistic ties.
These historical connections, he said, have strengthened bilateral relations over time and have provided a foundation for shared aspirations of peace, unity and sustainable development in the region.
President Dissanayake also highlighted that trade diversification is a strong component of Sri Lanka–Maldives bilateral relations, pointing out that the Maldives is Sri Lanka’s third-largest export destination among SAARC countries.
He said this reflects the continued people-to-people ties and close friendship between the two nations, offering a valuable opportunity to move forward together with mutual understanding.
The President observed that both countries share many similarities in climate, values, economic outlook, cultural diversity, lifestyle and hospitality. The main difference, he remarked, is that the Maldives has a flat and scenic landscape, while Sri Lanka is blessed with a mountainous terrain.
He recalled with deep appreciation the support extended by the Maldivian Government and people following the recent natural disaster faced by Sri Lanka, the Ditwa cyclone. He commended the Maldives for setting an example by promptly assisting a neighbouring country in times of hardship and expressed sincere gratitude to President Muizzu, the Maldivian Government and its people for their generosity and cooperation.
President Dissanayake said that during bilateral discussions held with President Muizzu and accompanying delegations, both sides reviewed the current status of their multi-faceted relationship. He noted that global political shifts and their impacts have emerged as common challenges for both countries, and the discussions focused on strengthening joint international action to find solutions.
He also acknowledged the Maldives’ major struggle against rising sea levels and global warming, reaffirming that Sri Lanka would continue to stand as a trusted friend and partner in that effort.
The two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening and diversifying cooperation across multiple sectors for mutual benefit. Memoranda of Understanding were signed in areas including tourism, education, higher education and health, sports and youth development, archival cooperation and defence.
Sri Lanka, he said, recognises the Maldives as an important economic partner in the region and is keen to expand this partnership further. He invited Maldivian business entities to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly in information technology and artificial intelligence, fisheries and agricultural products, tourism and leisure facilities, as well as real estate and urban infrastructure.
Extending his best wishes for the success of the Trade Forum scheduled for May 5, the President expressed confidence that it would pave the way for meaningful partnerships in the coming days.
As island nations dependent on the ocean, he said, the lifestyles and progress of both countries are closely linked to the sea. He thanked President Muizzu for proposing initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector.
President Muizzu is also expected to preside over an event in Colombo to introduce fishery products produced under the Maldives’ artisanal fisheries enterprise. President Dissanayake wished the initiative success and expressed hope for productive partnerships.
He further stated that Sri Lanka is interested in exploring additional cooperation opportunities in the boat manufacturing sector, which holds significant potential for mutual benefit.
He noted that the success of the Maldivian tourism industry also has a positive impact on Sri Lanka, as many tourists choose both Sri Lanka and the Maldives as a “dual destination” travel experience. Several Sri Lankan companies have already invested in the Maldivian tourism sector, and exploring ways for both countries to benefit further would be advantageous.
The President also said that Sri Lanka and the Maldives already enjoy strong air connectivity, and enhanced cooperation in aviation and maritime transport would further strengthen the tourism sector, which is vital to both economies.
During discussions held earlier in the day, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security and stability, recognising that both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are Indian Ocean nations that face largely common challenges. He reiterated that joint action is needed to prevent sea borders from being exploited for smuggling and other threats.
The President also announced that Sri Lanka has allocated a plot of land in Colombo for the establishment of the Maldivian High Commission, while the Maldives has allocated land in Male for Sri Lanka’s High Commission. Both countries are currently taking steps to finalise the relevant agreements.
Concluding his remarks, President Dissanayake once again expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Muizzu, his spouse and delegation for undertaking the visit to Sri Lanka. He said the visit reflects goodwill, trust and friendship, and will serve as a foundation for stronger cooperation. He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties in the years ahead, reaffirming that Sri Lanka’s doors would always remain open as the Maldives’ “second home” for constructive engagement.
