Colombo

RajjeViyu | 1 week ago | positive

Maldives sees credit upgrade, tourism surge, port relief

Maldives is experiencing multiple positive economic developments: Fitch Ratings upgraded the country's credit rating from 'CC' to 'CCC-', Chinese tourist arrivals surged 26% reclaiming top source market status, and Colombo Port disruptions that stranded 4,200 containers have been resolved. State-owned MIFCO is also undergoing a major transformation under new CEO Mohamed Anas.

The Edition | 1 week, 1 day ago | positive

Difficulties faced in bringing containers from Lanka Port resolved: MPL

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) reported that difficulties in bringing containers from Colombo Port to Maldives have been resolved. Challenges arose early this year due to increased cargo vessels and larger container loads, causing delays at Malé Commercial Harbor because of space constraints. MPL's operations team brought over 4,000 TEUs stranded since April to Maldives, and vessels now operate on normal schedules. MPL is working on temporary solutions for space constraints, and the government has decided to relocate the Malé Commercial Harbor.

Maldives News Network | 1 month, 1 week ago | optimistic

President Muizzu Underscores Private Sector’s Central Role in Maldives’ Economic Future

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered the keynote address at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo, emphasizing the private sector's central role in the Maldives' economic future under Vision 2040. He highlighted reforms including the modernized Foreign Investment Law, revised Foreign Investment Entry Requirements, and amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act. Muizzu invited deeper bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, sustainable tourism, digital innovation, and food security. Minister Mohamed Saeed and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya also spoke. The forum featured an investment showcase and networking discussions.

Ministry of Economic Development & Trade | 1 month, 1 week ago | positive

Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Colombo

The Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 was held at Hilton Colombo, attended by President Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with officials and business leaders. Invest Maldises presented investment opportunities, with sessions on tourism and fisheries focusing on sustainability and market access. Networking sessions facilitated partnerships. The forum underscores strong bilateral economic ties.

Maldives News Network | 1 month, 1 week ago | positive

Maldives and Sri Lanka sign agreement to boost youth and sports cooperation

The Maldives and Sri Lanka signed a new agreement to deepen cooperation in youth and sports development during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Colombo. President Muizzu described the agreement as one of the most meaningful outcomes of the visit. Sri Lanka has long supported Maldivian athletes through training programmes and camps in football, cricket, tennis, and athletics. The agreement aims to further enhance youth and sports development.

The Standard | 11 months, 2 weeks ago | neutral

US Embassy Tells Maldivian Study, Vocational, and Exchange Visa Applicants: Make Social Media Profiles Public

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, which also serves the Maldives, announced immediate new screening for F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visa applicants: social media profiles must be set to public and all accounts used in the past five years disclosed. Non-compliance can lead to denial and future ineligibility. This follows a temporary halt on student visa interviews in late May and a June 18 State Department directive requiring expanded vetting before resuming scheduling. Consular officers will scrutinize posts for terrorism support, hostility, antisemitism, etc. Officials prioritize certain categories but warn of longer processing times.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 3 months ago | positive

FM Khaleel Begins Official Visit to Sri Lanka

Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel began an official visit to Sri Lanka on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at the invitation of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. During his visit, Khaleel will hold talks with Herath on Wednesday, pay courtesy calls on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, meet Maldivian community members, and engage with Sri Lankan business representatives. He is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Additional Secretary Aminath Abdulla Didi.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 8 months ago | neutral

Sri Lanka to Insist on Transparent Tenders for Foreign-Funded Projects

Sri Lanka's new Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, from the National Peoples' Power (NPP) government, stated that foreign-funded projects will be assigned through open and transparent tenders, but existing projects with China and India will not be disrupted. He criticized past governments for lacking transparency and following improper procedures, including unsolicited proposals. Herath said the government will revisit the IMF deal, which imposed heavy taxes. He also clarified the party's changed stance on Indian expansionism, seeking closer ties with India.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 9 months ago | positive

Maldives, India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka Sign Charter to Establish CSC Secretariat

On 30 August 2024, the member states of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)—India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka—signed the Charter and an MoU to establish the CSC Secretariat. The signing took place in Colombo, hosted by Sri Lanka. The CSC aims to address regional security concerns including maritime safety, counter-terrorism, trafficking, cyber security, and humanitarian assistance. The event concluded with discussions on future activities.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | positive

Maldives, Sri Lanka Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in Colombo for bilateral talks covering economic development, education, health, fisheries, and security. They agreed to finalize double taxation avoidance and investment protection agreements, combat IUU fishing, and enhance defense training. Both reaffirmed commitment to SAARC and IORA, expressed solidarity with Palestine calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and addressed climate change. Maldives reiterated its net zero emissions target by 2030. Zameer also called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | neutral

Minister Zameer to Make Official Visit to Sri Lanka Next Week

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer will make an official visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka from 3 to 6 June 2024. The visit is in response to an invitation from Sri Lankan Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry. Zameer is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Bilateral talks will focus on strengthening relations and providing facilities for Maldivians in Sri Lanka. This is Zameer's first official visit to Sri Lanka since becoming foreign minister under President Mohamed Muizzu.