President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Disanayaka has concluded his first state visit to the Maldives since assuming office in September 2024.

The visit was undertaken at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and served to reaffirm the close and historic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Upon arrival in Malé, President Disanayaka was welcomed with full ceremonial honours. During his time in the capital, he held official talks with President Dr Muizzu, where both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Demonstrating this commitment, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a treaty focused on cooperation in criminal investigations, prosecutions, and the exchange of evidence and legal information. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), paving the way for collaboration in diplomatic training, knowledge sharing, and institutional exchange.

Both leaders also delivered joint press statements highlighting the long-standing partnership between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and their shared interest in expanding cooperation across key areas.

The first day of the visit concluded with a state banquet hosted in honour of President Disanayaka.

On the second day, several Maldivian Cabinet ministers paid courtesy calls on President Disanayaka. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and connectivity, while also addressing shared maritime security concerns such as illegal fishing.

On the third and final day of the visit, President Disanayaka participated in a tree-planting ceremony held at Sultan Park in Malé. The event was part of the Maldives’ ongoing ‘Five Million Trees Planting Programme’.

Sri Lanka is the Maldives’ closest neighbour, with diplomatic ties dating back to the country’s independence on 26 July 1965.