Sri Lanka

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.

Ministry of Education | 2 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

20 Principals Participate in Leadership Training Programme at KIU, Sri Lanka

A total of 20 school principals from across the Maldives participated in a week-long Principal Leadership Training Programme held at KIU, Sri Lanka on 26 March 2026. The programme aimed to strengthen school leadership and management capacity through lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative sessions on effective school management, instructional leadership, and innovation in education. Participants gained international exposure and practical insights to improve educational outcomes in Maldivian schools.

Ministry of Education | 3 months, 4 weeks ago | positive

40 Educators Participate in Capacity Building Programme at KIU, Sri Lanka

40 Special Educational Needs teachers and 3 officials from Maldives participated in the 'Maldives SEN Teachers Capacity Building Program' at KIU University in Sri Lanka from February 9 to 14, 2026. The program aimed to enhance professional expertise in inclusive education, focusing on early identification of ASD/ADHD, classroom management, and parent-specialist collaboration. Activities included lectures, workshops, and site visits to clinical and inclusive education centers to provide international exposure and practical methodologies for Maldivian schools.

Maldives Republic | 9 months, 3 weeks ago | concerned

Former Sri Lankan President Thrown Into Prison on Trivial, Unfounded Charge

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested and remanded by the Fort Magistrate in Colombo on Friday for alleged misuse of public funds during a trip to the UK in September 2023. The CID charged that the visit was private, attending his wife's graduation, after an official visit to Cuba. Wickremesinghe provided an invitation from the university, but the court deemed the trip unofficial. The arrest is seen as political vendetta by the current National Peoples' Power government. Former ministers Ali Sabry criticized the action, calling it vindictive politics. Wickremesinghe had previously assured no political witch-hunts when he was Prime Minister. The article notes Wickremesinghe's role in rescuing Sri Lanka from economic crisis after the 2022 Aragalaya movement.

The Standard | 9 months, 3 weeks ago | tense

Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe Remanded Until August 26 in Funds Misuse Case

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been remanded in custody until August 26 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate, following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations of misusing state funds. The case involves Rs. 16.9 million spent on a personal stopover in London during a 2023 foreign tour to attend his wife's graduation. CID recorded statements from former officials, and the Attorney General's Department is reviewing the case. The incident may impact regional cooperation with the Maldives.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 1 week ago | tense

No Action on Homeland Security Official’s Mocking Post About Sri Lankan President

No action has been taken against Fathimath Rifaath, Senior Political Director at the Homeland Security Ministry, after she deleted a Facebook post mocking Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his state visit to the Maldives. The government has not responded to inquiries. Mariyam Shiuna, a close associate of President Muizzu, called for disciplinary action. Shiuna was herself suspended in January 2024 for insulting Indian PM Narendra Modi and later resigned with two others, subsequently receiving positions at state-owned companies.

Invest Maldives | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

The Sri-Lanka-Maldives Business Forum

The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Forum was held successfully to strengthen trade ties between the two countries, organized in connection with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's official visit to the Maldives. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed spoke at the event at Hotel Jen, highlighting that diplomatic dialogue has created opportunities for the private sector and emphasizing strategic investment partnerships. He expressed gratitude to both Presidents for their leadership.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | tense

Homeland Security Official Deletes Facebook Post Mocking Sri Lankan President

Senior Political Director Fathimath Rifaath deleted a Facebook post mocking Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his official state visit to the Maldives. Mariam Shiuna, a close associate of President Muizzu, called for disciplinary action against Rifaath. Shiuna had previously been suspended as a deputy minister for insulting Indian PM Narendra Modi in January 2024 but later appointed to a senior position at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The Muizzu government has not commented on whether Rifaath will face action.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

Sri Lankan President Urges Maldivian Businesses to Invest in Key Sectors

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged Maldivian businesses to invest in Sri Lanka's AI, fisheries, agro-processing, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure sectors. He spoke after bilateral talks with President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé. The visit was his first since taking office in September 2024 and coincided with 60 years of diplomatic relations. The two countries signed an MOU on diplomatic training and a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

Sri Lanka to Issue One-Year Visas for Maldivians Seeking Medical Treatment

Sri Lanka will issue one-year visas to Maldivians seeking medical treatment, announced during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's state visit to the Maldives. President Mohamed Muizzu thanked the Sri Lankan government. Discussions covered defence, trade, education, training, youth, sports, fisheries, agriculture, and environmental initiatives. Sri Lanka was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Maldives after independence. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

Maldives, Sri Lanka Sign MoU on Diplomatic Training, Treaty on Legal Assistance

President Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed a Memorandum of Understanding on diplomatic training between FOSIM and BIDTI, and a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, following bilateral talks in Malé. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation in legal and diplomatic areas. The visit marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations established on 26 July 1965. Dissanayake, who took office in September 2024, is making his first state visit to the Maldives at Muizzu's invitation.

The Standard | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | tense

Namal Rajapaksa Hunted While in Maldives: Arrest Warrant Issued in Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan court issued an arrest warrant for Namal Rajapaksa while he was in the Maldives attending a private wedding. The warrant was issued due to his failure to appear for hearings in money laundering and corruption cases. Rajapaksa arrived on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 101, traveling business class alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake, who was on an official state visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Rajapaksa's visit was personal. The charges stem from financial investigations implicating the Rajapaksa family. Rajapaksa previously contested the 2022 presidential election. It is unclear if Sri Lanka will seek extradition.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

Sri Lankan President Begins State Visit to Maldives

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Malé on Monday for his first state visit since taking office, coinciding with 60 years of diplomatic relations. He was welcomed at Velana International Airport by President Mohamed Muizzu. An official ceremony is scheduled, followed by talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties. Joint press statements are expected. The visit underscores efforts to reaffirm historical ties amid regional dynamics.

The Standard | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | positive

President Muizzu Hosts Sri Lankan President Disanayaka in Historic State Visit to Maldives

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrived in the Maldives on July 28, 2025, for a state visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Welcomed at Velana International Airport, the visit marks the first by Disanayaka since taking office in September 2024. The two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations (established July 26, 1965). Bilateral talks will focus on trade, tourism, regional security, and education, with joint press statements expected.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 2 weeks ago | neutral

Maldives Denies Talks on Free Movement, Trade Zone With Sri Lanka

The Maldives has denied reports of discussions with Sri Lanka to establish a free economic and movement zone. Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed dismissed the claims on Friday, stating that no such talks have occurred. Sri Lankan media outlet Lanka-e-News had reported on Wednesday that Colombo and Malé were in early talks over an arrangement allowing citizens to live, work, study, own property, and access services without visas. The report drew interest and concern over labour migration and regulatory alignment. Saeed explicitly denied any discussions, saying Sri Lanka has not been thought of or discussed yet.

The Standard | 11 months, 2 weeks ago | neutral

False Claims Exposed: Government Has No Plans for Maldives–Sri Lanka Duty-Free Zone

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed denied rumors on X that the Maldives government is planning a duty-free zone with Sri Lanka, stating no such initiative has been considered or discussed. The government's trade focus is on the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement, effective January 1, 2025. As of late June 2025, no official dialogue on a joint duty-free zone has occurred.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 2 weeks ago | optimistic

Sri Lankan President to Visit Maldives in Late July: Report

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to make a three-day official visit to the Maldives in the final week of July 2025, focusing on bilateral trade and economic cooperation, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Preparations are underway but not finalized, and the Maldivian foreign ministry has not commented.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 3 months ago | positive

FM Khaleel Meets Sri Lankan President, PM on Official Visit

Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on 21 February 2025 at the Presidential Secretariat. Khaleel expressed the Maldives' interest to explore new avenues to strengthen bilateral ties and conveyed appreciation for Sri Lanka's support in development. He was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, High Commissioner Masood Imad, and Additional Secretary Aminath Abdulla Didi. On 20 February 2025, Khaleel met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, expressing gratitude for Sri Lanka's support in education and human resource development, and for hosting Maldivians. Amarasuriya reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthen cooperation. Khaleel's visit from Tuesday (likely 18 February) at the invitation of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath included official talks on Wednesday to enhance collaboration in education, trade, investment, climate change, fisheries, and consular affairs.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 3 months ago | positive

Maldives, Sri Lanka Eye Closer Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath held official talks in Colombo on 19 February 2025, reaffirming commitment to enhance bilateral ties in education, trade, investment, environment, climate change, fisheries, youth empowerment, vocational training, and consular affairs. They pledged to cooperate on regional and multilateral platforms on mutual issues. Khaleel expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka's support in Maldives' socio-economic development and invited Herath to visit the Maldives.

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.