President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed met with members of the Maldivian community residing in Colombo as part of the President’s ongoing State Visit to Sri Lanka. The engagement was attended by Government Ministers and senior officials accompanying the presidential delegation.
During the meeting, the President interacted directly with attendees, inquiring about their well-being and listening to their views and concerns. The session provided an opportunity for Maldivians living in Sri Lanka to raise matters affecting their daily lives and engage with senior members of the government.
Bilateral Discussions and Visa Matters
Addressing the gathering, President Muizzu highlighted the longstanding friendship and close people-to-people ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He noted that his discussions with the Sri Lankan government had covered several key issues affecting Maldivians in the country, including visa-related matters. The President expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the two governments would lead to a sustainable resolution.
Economic, Education and Healthcare Cooperation
The President outlined several initiatives aimed at deepening economic ties between the two countries. These include plans to establish a Bank of Maldives presence in Sri Lanka and to introduce Maldivian products to the Sri Lankan market. He also pointed to strengthened collaboration in the areas of education and healthcare, sectors that have long featured prominently in bilateral exchanges between the two nations.
President Muizzu further noted that steps are being taken to enhance services provided by the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka, with the aim of better supporting the community.
The Colombo engagement reflects the President’s continued practice of meeting with Maldivian communities during official overseas visits, in line with his pledge to maintain close ties with Maldivians living abroad.
