Maldives committed to strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka: President Muizzu
05-May-2026.
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives remains firmly committed to further strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka, enhancing regional collaboration, and building peace, stability and shared prosperity.
He made these remarks while addressing a joint media briefing with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on May 4.
President Muizzu said it was an honour to be in Colombo, a city that symbolises the deep history, resilience and friendship that unite the two nations. He extended heartfelt gratitude to President Dissanayake, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan people for the warm welcome accorded to him, his spouse and delegation.
He said the visit not only reaffirms close neighbourly relations but also marks the beginning of a renewed and forward-looking partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
President Muizzu noted that he and President Dissanayake held highly productive discussions covering a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues. They reached agreement on strengthening cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, health, security, education, youth and sports development, fisheries, environment and social development.
He stated that several important agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation in higher education and training, archival collaboration, health, defence, youth and sports development, and tourism. The focus now, he said, is on implementing these agreements effectively and ensuring tangible benefits for the people of both countries.
Economic cooperation, he said, was a central pillar of the discussions. He expressed appreciation for the significant contribution made by Sri Lankans to the development of the Maldives, as well as the important role played by Maldivians living in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, he said both countries are committed to expanding trade and investment, creating a more investor-friendly environment and unlocking new business opportunities.
The Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum scheduled for May 5, he said, will serve as an important platform connecting traders, investors and innovators of both nations. He added that discussions are underway on broader initiatives including the possibility of establishing a branch of the Bank of Maldives in Sri Lanka and introducing premium Maldivian fishery products to the Sri Lankan market.
He also stressed the importance of making the economic relationship more balanced, fair and mutually beneficial by addressing existing trade imbalances.
Noting that education and youth development remain top national priorities, President Muizzu said both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in higher education and vocational training, skills development for future industries, institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange. The shared objective, he said, is to equip younger generations with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As island nations, he said, the futures of both countries are closely linked through the Indian Ocean. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation and stronger maritime security cooperation. He expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s continued support through joint exercises, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
Beyond policy and economics, he said, the relationship is rooted in people, culture and shared heritage. Both countries agreed to expand ties through cultural exchanges, educational cooperation and community development initiatives, which will continue to form the foundation of their enduring friendship.
They also held important discussions on global challenges such as climate change, which poses an existential threat to both nations. President Muizzu reaffirmed the commitment of both countries towards stronger international advocacy, joint environmental initiatives and collective action to enhance climate resilience.
He stated that the day marked the beginning of a new and diverse chapter in Maldives–Sri Lanka relations. The Maldives, he said, remains committed to strengthening this partnership, enhancing regional cooperation and building peace, stability and shared prosperity. He concluded by stating that both sides will work together to build a partnership that delivers real benefits to their people and contributes meaningfully to the Indian Ocean region.
