The Maldives hosted a State banquet on 28 July in honour of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who is on his first state visit to the Maldives since assuming office in September 2024.

The banquet symbolised a key moment in the ongoing celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to further strengthening ties with Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding relationship rooted in shared history, values, and close people-to-people connections. He noted that cooperation between the two nations has expanded significantly over the years, particularly in tourism, digital innovation, maritime security, education, and cultural exchange.

The banquet was attended by senior Maldivian Government officials, members of the visiting Sri Lankan delegation, and dignitaries including Special Envoy Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, and Acting High Commissioner Thimuthu Dissanayake.

President Dr Muizzu described recent bilateral discussions as productive and future-focused, with both sides exploring ways to enhance cooperation in areas that align with shared goals for economic growth, regional stability, and sustainable development.