• Cover tourism, education, health, sports, youth development, archives, defence
• President pushes for investment in IT, AI, fisheries and agro-processing, tourism, real estate, urban development infrastructure
•  Land allocated for Maldivian HC in Col., and SL HC in the Maldives 

Seven Memoranda of Understanding’s (MoUs) have been signed between Sri Lanka (SL) and the Maldives during the State visit of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements cover collaboration in the fields of tourism, education, higher education, health, sports, youth development, archives, and defence.

The official State reception for President Muizzu, who arrived in Sri Lanka on 4 May for a three-day official visit, was held yesterday (5). The formal welcome ceremony commenced yesterday morning at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

Following the ceremony, the leaders of both countries issued a joint media statement highlighting the outcomes of their discussions.

President Dissanayake noted that Dr. Muizzu’s official visit was in response to an invitation extended during his own visit to the Maldives in 2025. During  discussions, the President also conveyed appreciation to the Maldivian Government for the humanitarian assistance and support provided during the recent disaster period in Sri Lanka. He further emphasised that global climate change remains a significant shared challenge for both countries.

President Dissanayake invited the Maldives to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), fisheries and agro-processing, tourism, real estate, and urban development infrastructure. 

He also extended his best wishes for the success of the Business Forum scheduled for today (5), which President Muizzu is expected to attend.

Marking the occasion, a reciprocal land allocation was made between the two countries. Accordingly, a plot of land has been allocated in Colombo for the Maldivian High Commission (HC) in Sri Lanka, while the Maldives has allocated a plot of land for the Sri Lankan High Commission.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has also held discussions with Dr. Muizzu.    

President Muizzu, who is visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Dissanayake, is scheduled to remain in the country until tomorrow (6). During the visit, President Muizzu is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with President Dissanayake, focusing on further strengthening long-standing ties and cooperation between the two nations. This marks his first visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in 2023.

Meanwhile, Police have announced that a special traffic management plan will remain in place in and around Colombo until tomorrow, due to the State visit.