The banquet, hosted by President Dissanayake, marks Muizzu’s first state visit to Sri Lanka since taking office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended a state banquet in Colombo on Monday, hosted in their honour by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of the Maldivian leader’s first official visit to the country since assuming office.
Speaking at the event, President Muizzu thanked the Sri Lankan government and its people for their warm reception, and reflected on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. He described Sri Lanka as a “close and trusted neighbour,” noting that the relationship has been built over decades through cooperation in education, healthcare, and strong bonds between ordinary people on both sides.
He said the visit itself was a symbol of that enduring friendship, and acknowledged the role Sri Lanka has played in supporting the Maldives’ development over the years.
Key areas for deeper cooperation
Muizzu also raised climate change as a shared challenge that demands continued joint effort, calling on both nations to keep working together on advocacy and finding new solutions.
He closed by saying that behind all the formal agreements and diplomatic language, it is the connection between the Maldivian and Sri Lankan people that gives the relationship its real meaning — and expressed confidence that the two countries will grow even closer in the years ahead.
Senior officials and cabinet ministers from both governments attended the banquet. President Muizzu and the First Lady are in Sri Lanka on a state visit from May 3 to 6, 2026.
