The Governments of the Maldives and Sri Lanka have initiated discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports, with a focus on expanding training opportunities for Maldivian athletes on May 17, 2025.

Talks were held during an official meeting between Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Kumara Gamage, and the Maldives’ Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu. Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner to the Maldives, Timuth Sanjika Dissanayake, and senior officials from both countries were also present.

The meeting focused on launching a joint Athlete Exchange Programme, aimed at enabling Maldivian athletes to benefit from both short-term and long-term training opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The ministers also discussed expanding existing support in the form of technical assistance and coaching. Sri Lanka currently contributes to the Maldives’ sports development through the provision of expert coaches, some of whom are already active in local sports academies.

The talks highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing role as a key partner in the Maldives’ efforts to raise athletic standards and improve training infrastructure.

Both sides expressed a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in sports, viewing it as a means to promote youth development, regional ties, and improved performance in competitive athletics.