The Maldives and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance cooperation in criminal justice and diplomatic training, in a move that further consolidates the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The commitment was formalised during the official visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to the Maldives, at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Official documents were exchanged at the President’s Office on 28 July 2025 in the presence of both heads of state. 

Exchanged by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters establishes a formal mechanism for the two countries to cooperate in criminal investigations, prosecutions, and the exchange of evidence and legal information. Negotiations for the treaty began in 2011 and it was recently approved by the Maldivian Cabinet. Under the agreement, cases will be handled through designated Central Authorities in each country.

A separate Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training and the Exchange of Information and Documents was signed between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) of Sri Lanka. It provides a framework for cooperation in diplomatic training, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of information and resources between the institutions.

This commitment to enhanced collaboration coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, established on 26 July 1965.