Sri Lanka and the Maldives are strengthening their bilateral relationship through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, tourism, education, and community welfare.

Following consultations with various Maldivian ministries and stakeholders, the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council presented a comprehensive report to the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Maldivian High Commissioner, outlining key opportunities for collaboration across critical sectors.

One of the central projects highlighted in the report is the development of the Kuda Fushi Islands port. Designed to transform the region into a maritime hub, the project includes constructing warehouses and logistics facilities to streamline trade routes and address transport inefficiencies. As part of this collaboration, Sri Lanka has been offered a 50 per cent tax concession on goods transported via small boats.

In addition to economic incentives, the report outlined healthcare and education initiatives, with Sri Lanka planning to host an education and wellness exhibition to showcase its schools, universities, and healthcare services, aiming to attract more Maldivian students and retirees.

Alongside this, a project is set to launch, focusing on health assessments and providing speech and hearing equipment to enhance the quality of life for residents in remote Maldivian islands.

Efforts are also underway to ease visa restrictions imposed after the Easter Sunday attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have significantly hindered mobility between the two countries.