Sri Lanka

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 4 months ago | concerned

India Says Sri Lanka-India Ties Should Not Be Influenced by China

India has indirectly expressed to Sri Lanka that its bilateral relations should not be influenced by China. Acting High Commissioner Dr Satyanjal Pandey stressed mutual sensitivity and spontaneity in ties, free from third-party pressures. India is concerned that Sri Lanka is yielding to Chinese pressure on development projects. Sri Lanka has balanced relations by visiting both India and China, signing MOUs. He assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against India. The article also mentions disputes over Chinese research vessels, and a re-examination of the Adani wind power contract in strategic locations.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 4 months ago | neutral

Adani Group Faces Ouster in Sri Lanka Too

The new Sri Lankan government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake cancelled a 484 MW wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn that had been awarded to Adani Green Energy SL Ltd in 2024 by the previous administration. A Procurement Committee will review the proposal, allowing Adani to submit amendments. The project faced opposition due to high electricity prices (8.26 cents/kWh vs. local 4.88 cents), environmental concerns over migratory bird habitats, and local community objections. Dissanayake had pledged cancellation during his campaign. Rohan Pethiyagoda, a biodiversity scientist, praised the decision and called for an investigation into the original deal. The matter was also before the Supreme Court, with a ruling expected in March.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 5 months ago | neutral

Fake University Degrees: A Growing Issue in South Asia

The article analyzes the prevalence of fake university degrees in South Asia, focusing on Sri Lanka's NPP government after Speaker Asoka Ranwala resigned on Friday over accusations his Ph.D. was fake. Urban Development Minister Anura Karunatilake and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara also faced similar allegations. Ranwala claimed to have a Ph.D. from a Waseda University-affiliated institution but has no proof. Nanayakkara's 'Dr' was added by parliament, while Karunatilake admitted he was a Ph.D. student. The NPP's image suffered. The article attributes the fake degree phenomenon to socio-economic conditions after economic liberalization, job scarcity, and political use of honorary doctorates, citing examples from India and elsewhere.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 5 months ago | neutral

India’s Grant Diplomacy to Woo Pro-China South Asian Presidents

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi on 16 December 2024, offering generous financial grants and development initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties. Both leaders, from humble origins, showed mutual understanding and agreed to address concerns while building a sustainable relationship. Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had earlier visited Colombo after Dissanayake's election to counter Chinese influence. Dissanayake's party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), transformed into the National Peoples' Power (NPP), broadening its appeal and winning the presidency and parliamentary majority.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 6 months ago | concerned

Controversy Has Dogged Anti-Defection Measures in Maldives, India and Sri Lanka

The Maldives passed an anti-defection law in 2024 by amending Article 73 of the constitution, requiring MPs to lose their seats if they defect. The government led by President Mohamed Muizzu also passed the State’s Debt Bill and Fiscal Responsibility Bill, and centralised development planning. The opposition challenged the law in the Supreme Court, with former MP Ali Hussain petitioning on 24 November. The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats joined as third parties. President Muizzu defended the amendments as critical for sovereignty and stability.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 6 months ago | concerned

India Probes Diversion of 70-Tonne Sugar Shipment Bound for Maldives

India's Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is investigating the alleged diversion of 70 tonnes of sugar, originally bound for the Maldives, to Sri Lanka. India had allocated an export quota of 64,494.33 tonnes of sugar to the Maldives under a preferential agreement, despite halting sugar exports for the 2023/2024 season due to low production. The investigation has virtually halted exports to the Maldives, and Sri Lankan officials have stopped clearances at Colombo. On April 5, India authorized the export of several essential items, including sugar, to the Maldives under the bilateral agreement.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 6 months ago | neutral

Sri Lankan Tamils Abandon Ethnic Parties in Favour of Leftist NPP

In Sri Lanka's 14 November parliamentary elections, minority Tamils broke from ethnic parties like ITAK to support the leftist National Peoples' Power (NPP), which swept Sinhala areas and performed strongly in Tamil and Muslim regions. The NPP, led by the JVP, historically opposed Tamil demands, but gained traction on a good governance platform. Detailed vote percentages show NPP leading in many traditional ITAK strongholds, though ITAK retained some areas like Kilinochchi.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 8 months ago | neutral

Jaishankar’s Hard Sell in Colombo

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Colombo on 4 October to meet Sri Lanka's new left-nationalist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aiming to convince him of India's economic capabilities without compromising Sri Lanka's sovereignty. The visit occurred after Dissanayake's surprise presidential election win on 21 September, defeating Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa. Dissanayake leads the National Peoples' Power (NPP) coalition, with its core Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) having a long anti-India stance. The NPP insists on transparent tendering for future foreign-funded projects, contrasting with past 'Strategic Projects' awarded via cabinet decisions. While existing projects like the West Container Terminal (Adani Ports) and wind power projects will proceed, future ones must be competitive. Jaishankar also discussed security and defence to promote trust and transparency, amid the backdrop of Sino-Indian rivalry.

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 | 1 year, 9 months ago | tense

Post by Ex-President Gayoom Irks Russian Ambassador

Russian Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Levan Dzhagaryan, expressed displeasure over a social media post by former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who questioned UN Security Council inaction on Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. Dzhagaryan called the post 'unacceptable', accused Gayoom of double standards, and blamed the US and UK for disrupting peace talks. He praised the current Muizzu administration for its stance on Palestine.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | positive

Minister Zameer Wraps Up Sri Lanka Visit With Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer concluded an official visit to Sri Lanka from 3 to 6 June 2024 to bolster bilateral relations. Meetings included courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. Zameer also visited the Maldivian High Commission and interacted with the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | positive

Maldivians to Receive 90-Day On-Arrival Visas in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka assured Maldives that Maldivians will receive 90-day on-arrival visas without extra fees, per the visa facilitation agreement. The assurance was given by Sri Lankan Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles during a meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on 6 June 2024. Zameer highlighted difficulties faced by Maldivian students and families. Sri Lanka recently switched to an e-visa system outsourced to a private company, causing concerns.

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.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | concerned

French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jean-François Pactet, Passes Away

French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Jean-François Pactet, passed away at his official residence in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. He was 53 and had served since October 2022. Condolences were offered by Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Abdulla Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Party. Zameer praised his role in Maldives-France relations, and Shahid recalled meeting him in February 2023. Pactet was a veteran diplomat with an extensive career in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | positive

CVF Signs US$120M Climate Prosperity Agreement With Sri Lanka and Portugal’s Nativa Capital

CVF signed a US$120 million agreement with Sri Lanka and Nativa Capital to fund a farming and forest protection project in Anuradhapura District, benefiting 15,000 farming families. The project is part of Sri Lanka's Climate Prosperity Plan. Former President Mohamed Nasheed, CVF Secretary General, praised the initiative. Nativa Capital will purchase produce to ensure market access. The project includes forest ecosystem valuation. The agreement was formalized by Ruwan Wijewardene (Sri Lanka), Mohamed Nasheed (CVF), and Carlos Gomes (Nativa Capital).

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | optimistic

Air Ambulance Service Launched; Will Fly Direct to India, Sri Lanka

The government inaugurated a new air ambulance service, fulfilling a pledge by President Mohamed Muizzu. The service uses a Dash-8 aircraft and a seaplane for emergency medical evacuations. The seaplane operates during the day and can access any island. Minister of Health Abdulla Khaleel announced that air ambulance flights will go to India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand; flights to India and Sri Lanka are direct, while Thailand may require a stopover. Sri Lanka has granted special permission for flights within two hours of request. The service will be complemented by land and sea craft. Fifteen specialist staff (five nurses, five doctors, five technicians) have been recruited. The aircraft can carry two patients, with space for more stretchers; the sea ambulance carries one. Costs are borne by Island Aviation Services Ltd, with operations funded from the state budget.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | positive

Expanded ‘Dosti’ Maritime Exercise Inaugurated Amid Enhanced US-Maldives Cooperation

The 16th 'Dosti' maritime exercise involving Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as observer commenced in the Maldives. The US announced US$8 million for four patrol boats to enhance Maldives' maritime capabilities, following a meeting between Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma. The exercise, inaugurated by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, focuses on search and rescue and counter-piracy. This occurs amid tensions after an unauthorized Indian naval intrusion and Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03's arrival near Male', raising security concerns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | positive

Maldives, India and Sri Lanka Begin Joint Naval Drills

Naval vessels from India and Sri Lanka arrived in the Maldives for the trilateral joint naval exercise Dosti-16, running from February 22 to 25, 2024. The drill aims at Indian Ocean security and has been held biennially since 1991. Bangladeshi observers are also participating. This year's exercise occurs amid tensions following an alleged unauthorized intrusion by armed Indian naval forces into Maldivian waters in late January. The Maldivian Parliament is investigating, and the government has requested a written explanation from India.