Five Italian divers have died during an underwater cave expedition in the Maldives, authorities said.

They were exploring the caves at about 50-60m depth in Vaavu Atoll – which is about 64km from the capital Malé.

They went diving on Thursday morning and were reported missing when they failed to resurface. A distress alert was raised around early afternoon on the same day. According to authorities, the group was part of a larger diving excursion when they attempted to enter cave structures known for strong currents and complex underwater tunnels.

“The distress call arrived at 1.45pm at the Maldivian Coast Guard’s maritime coordination center,” the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) said in a statement.

Rescue teams rushed to the scuba hotspot, near the island of Alimatha and later recovered one body inside a submerged cave, while the remaining four are believed to still be inside the same cave system.

“A body was found at 6.13pm among the five divers who had dived in Vaavu Atoll,” MNDF said. “The body was found inside a cave, and the other four divers are believed to be in the same cave, which extends to a depth of approximately 60m.”

Maldivian coast guard and military units launched a “high-risk” search and recovery operation using specialist divers, boats, and aerial support. However, rough weather conditions in the area, including strong winds and an official yellow alert, made operations more difficult.

The victims were later identified as Monica Montefalcone, a marine biology professor at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; researcher Muriel Oddenino; marine scientist Federico Gualtieri and dive operator Gianluca Benedetti.

In a statement posted on X, the University of Genoa expressed “deep condolences” to the victims’ families.

According to Milan-based major daily Corriere della Sera, authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances, but early reports suggest the group may have become trapped or disoriented inside the cave system during the dive in challenging conditions.

“A tragedy, I can’t say more,” consul Giorgia Marazzi reportedly said, according to the outlet.

The Italian foreign ministry said: “The divers died after attempting to explore some caves at a depth of 50m. The Maldivian authorities are still reconstructing the incident.”

According to La Repubblica, a Rome-based daily, exploring those caves in Vaavu Atoll requires a special certification, but the divers were all experts.

This incident is being described as one of the most serious diving accidents ever recorded in the Maldives, which is famous for diving tourism.

Local police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the underwater disaster, but the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. (The Independent)

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Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu left Sri Lanka this morning (06) after completing his State Visit. 

His visit from 03 -06 May marked the first to Sri Lanka since assuming office in 2023.

Prior to his departure, President Mohamed Muizzu attended the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and commitment to deeper economic cooperation at the Forum, with leaders from both countries highlighting shared resilience, mutual support and growing opportunities for partnership. 

The forum brought together policymakers and more than 400 business leaders and investors from both countries, reflecting growing momentum to expand trade, investment and long-term economic collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. 

Addressing those gathered, President Muizzu said the Maldives is at “a pivotal moment in its development journey”, describing the country as “a nation on the rise” building on resilience while looking towards “a future of development and prosperity”. 

Highlighting the close ties between the two countries, President Muizzu said Sri Lanka and the Maldives share deep historical, cultural and economic links, adding that their partnership is rooted in trust, mutual respect and continuous engagement. 

He underscored that development in the Maldives is “people-centred, technology-enabled and environmentally responsible”, while placing strong emphasis on the role of the private sector in shaping the country’s economic future. 

“We have placed private sector-led growth at the very heart of our national agenda,” he said, noting that his administration is implementing “an ambitious reform programme to facilitate business, incentivise investment and empower entrepreneurs”. 

President Muizzu also pointed to key reforms, including a modernised foreign investment law and revised investor entry requirements aimed at ensuring “clarity, predictability and transparency”, expressing confidence that these measures would strengthen investor confidence and support long-term growth. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya echoed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, noting that Sri Lanka too “stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey”. 

She said the country has navigated recent global and domestic challenges, including economic pressures and severe weather impacts in late 2025, through fiscal discipline, structural reforms, strengthened governance and strong international support. 

“We are steadily building a stronger and more stable economic foundation, with a clear and promising path ahead,” she said. 

The Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on the enduring friendship between the two nations, recalling the Maldives’ support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.  

She expressed gratitude for the assistance extended by the Maldivian government, businesses and people, noting that such support reflected “the depth of friendship that goes beyond traditional cooperation”.

Highlighting economic opportunities, she said tourism remains a key sector for collaboration, noting Sri Lanka’s record tourist arrivals in 2025 despite adverse conditions and pointing to growing prospects in sustainable and high-end tourism, including medical tourism. 

She also observed that bilateral trade, valued at US$137 million in 2025, “remains far below its potential”, calling for expanded cooperation, particularly in food production and fisheries processing. 

Maldives Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, stressed the need to translate dialogue into concrete action, highlighting the Maldives’ ongoing economic transformation and openness to partnerships. 

He said the government is pursuing diversification beyond tourism, focusing on sectors such as logistics, digital services, renewable energy, fisheries and financial services, with the aim of positioning the Maldives as a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean. 

The Minister noted that recent reforms and prudent fiscal management have strengthened macroeconomic confidence, enabling major infrastructure developments, including expanded airport capacity and connectivity. 

He also highlighted global supply chain shifts, digital transformation and climate resilience as key areas for collaboration, stating that “the Maldives is open, ambitious and ready to partner”. 

All three leaders emphasised that the strong historical and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives provide a solid foundation for future cooperation.

President Muizzu called for building “meaningful partnerships that shape our shared future”, while Minister Saeed stressed that “this forum is not about dialogue alone, it is about action”. 

Minister of Science and Technology, Krishantha Abeysena and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, along with members of the Maldivian diplomatic delegation and the Sri Lanka–Maldives business community, attended the event. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and the Maldives today signed seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors, including tourism, education, higher education, health, sports, youth development, archives, and defence, following the official state ceremony welcoming Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

The agreements were announced at a joint press conference chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after bilateral talks held at the Presidential Secretariat. 

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to his Maldivian counterpart for accepting the invitation to visit Sri Lanka and for the humanitarian assistance extended during the recent disaster periods.

Highlighting global climate change as a shared challenge, the Sri Lankan President pointed to rising sea levels and increasing global temperatures as pressing concerns for both nations. 

He also invited the Maldives to explore investment opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence, fisheries, agricultural processing, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure.

President Dissanayake noted that President Muizzu is scheduled to participate in a business forum tomorrow (May 5), which he expects will strengthen economic ties.

Marking the occasion, Sri Lanka has allocated land in Colombo for the Maldives High Commission office, while the Maldives has reciprocated by setting aside land for Sri Lanka’s High Commission. (Newswire)

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Visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was welcomed with an official state ceremony, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today.

The Maldivian President, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (03),  was welcomed by the President at the Presidential Secretariat this morning. 

President Mohamed Muizzu is on a state visit, marking his first visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in 2023.

Visiting at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Maldivian President is expected to remain in Sri Lanka until May 06.

During the visit, he is set to hold bilateral discussions with President Dissanayake aimed at further strengthening long-standing ties and cooperation between the two nations.

Six memoranda of understanding are also expected to be signed to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, a special traffic plan is in place in Colombo from today (03) until May 06 in view of the visit. (Newswire)

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Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka from May 3 to May 6, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka.

According to a statement from the Maldives President’s Office, during the visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to meet senior Sri Lankan leaders and hold official talks with President Dissanayaka aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations. 

The two leaders will also witness the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation across multiple sectors.

President Muizzu will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, along with a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

The visit underscores the Maldives’ commitment to deepening ties with Sri Lanka and follows President Dissanayaka’s visit to Malé in July last year, which marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the statement added. (Newswire)

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The government has announced that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the upcoming state visit of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to Sri Lanka.

President Muizzu will visit Sri Lanka from May 3–5, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These include:

• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Defence and National Service and Sri Lanka’s General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University to organize training programmes, staff exchanges, and joint research.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to enhance teacher and school leader training.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare and the University of Colombo on academic cooperation.
• An MoU between the Republic of Maldives and Sri Lanka to promote cooperation in tourism.
• An MoU between the National Archives of Maldives and Sri Lanka’s Department of National Archives to strengthen collaboration in archival work.
• An MoU between the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to advance youth and sports development.

The agreements reflect the commitment of both countries to deepen ties in defence, education, health, tourism, culture, and youth development, while fostering long‑term cooperation between institutions. (Newswire)

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The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives has announced that Maldivian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for visit or tourism purposes are eligible for a 90-day On-Arrival Visa.

According to a notice issued by the High Commission, Maldivian citizens are not required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their arrival.

This visa exemption is expected to facilitate smoother travel and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. (Newswire)

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Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, has raised concerns over the ordeal faced by Maldivian tourists to secure a visa in Sri Lanka. 

According to the State run Daily News newspaper, High Commissioner Masood Imad has likened the experience to step-motherly treatment at the hands of Sri Lankan Emigration and Immigration Department officials.

“Maldivian nationals are forced to languish in long queues from 9 am. to 5 pm. to secure a visa, and there seems to be a lack of understanding that Maldivians are also foreigners, similar to those with fair skin. I am perplexed as to why officials only consider those who arrive in Sri Lanka with fair skin as visitors,” he stated. 

Noting that Maldivian students and their parents often have to wait for hours at the department to obtain visas when applying individually, he pointed out that, however, visas applied through travel agents are granted immediately without any hassle.

The High Commissioner hinted at officials within the department receiving some financial benefits when visa applications are submitted through travel agents.

“Maldivians are required to pay extra fees when applying for visas through travel agents. Maldivian citizens are being reprimanded and shouted at by Emigration and Immigration Department officials in Sri Lanka. They fail to treat them as visitors,” he further said.

Highlighting a recent incident, High Commissioner Masood Imad said, “Just two days ago, a senior Customs officer from the Maldives came here for a holiday, and that officer has been taken to a room for questioning. She visited because she appreciates Sri Lanka and its natural beauty.”

The High Commissioner warned that if this situation persists, the Maldivian government will be forced to revise its visa policy concerning Sri Lankan professionals working in various sectors within the Maldives. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is set to deepen cooperation with the Maldives through two new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, focusing on postgraduate medical education and youth and sports development.

One MoU is to be signed between the University of Colombo and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Maldives to expand collaboration in postgraduate education.

Under the agreement, Sri Lanka will provide training for Maldivian medical officers and dental surgeons, with support from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine.

The agreement between the University of Colombo and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Maldives also includes provisions to recruit specialist medical officers for the Maldives on a short- or long-term basis, depending on healthcare needs.

The proposal was presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education.

In a separate initiative, the Cabinet also approved an MoU on sports and youth development between the two countries.

The agreement aims to create a structured framework for collaboration in youth empowerment, sports performance, leadership development, and institutional partnerships.

It includes joint programs, exchange of expertise, and capacity-building initiatives.

This proposal was presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and is expected to enhance long-term cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives in both fields. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka received a consignment of canned tuna from the Maldives today (05) as relief for the people affected by the adverse weather. 

According to the President’s Office, the consignment, handed over this afternoon, consists of 25,000 cases of canned tuna, in 14  containers. 

The shipment was formally handed over by the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Colombo.

Representing Sri Lanka at the handover were Brigadier Roshan Dharmawickrema, Director Operations of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Commodore Aruna Wijewardane, Deputy Area Commander of the Western Naval Area and Diana Perera, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Officials emphasized that the donation will support national efforts to address emerging needs and will be distributed through relevant government agencies. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel, says the total contribution from the Maldivian government, individuals and private sectors have collectively surpassed USD 1.1 million for disaster-hit Sri Lanka. 

Abdulla Khaleel said Sri Lanka and its people hold a special place in the hearts of Maldivians, and the country remains with Sri Lanka which is confronting the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditwah, including the landslides and flooding that have brought immense hardship across several regions. 

In a letter to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, he said the Maldives is deeply moved by the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Sri Lankan people throughout this challenging period. 

Reflecting on the close bonds of friendship between our two countries, the Maldivian Public Service Media (PSM) in collaboration with private media organised a telethon – “CeylonaaEkuDhiveheen (Maldivians with Sri Lankans)” which has raised over USD 800,000 in support of the ongoing relief efforts. 

Total contribution from the government, individuals and private sectors have collectively surpassed USD 1.1 million, demonstrating a sincere expression of compassion and solidarity from the Maldivian people to Sri Lanka, he said. 

“The people of Maldives remain confident that, with the strength and determination of the people of Sri Lanka, the country will overcome this adversity and emerge stronger. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the Maldivian Prime Minister added. (Newswire)

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The Government of Maldives has decided to extend relief assistance to Sri Lanka through financial support of USD 50,000 and a donation of 25,000 cases of tuna cans. 

The Maldivian Government has taken this decision to extend humanitarian and relief assistance on behalf of the Maldivian people to the people of Sri Lanka, in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to a statement from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, this gesture is a demonstration of solidarity with its close neighbour and the friendly people of Sri Lanka. 

The Maldives hopes that this modest donation will contribute towards the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka, to assist those affected – reflecting the deep commitment to the close bonds shared between the two nations and their peoples, it added. (Newswire)

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The Maldivian Police has confirmed that a large haul of narcotics was seized from the Sri Lankan vessel ‘Avishka Putha’ that was taken into custody after being found within the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone without authorization.

Issuing a statement on the incident,  the Maldivian Police said 355.9 kilos of suspected narcotics were seized from the vessel.

The Maldivian Police further said that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. 

According to the Maldives Police, 24 sacks containing 58.6 kilos of suspected heroin and 297.3 kilos of suspected ‘ICE’ narcotics were found in the vessel. 

The arrested suspects are aged 39, 42, 28, 34, and 63. 

Sri Lankan fishing vessel ‘Avishka Putha’ was taken into custody by the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard on Friday (07). 

The vessel and its five crew members were handed over to the Maldives Police Service on Sunday (09) for further investigations. (Newswire/ Image- Dhuvas)

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A group of Sri Lankan media professionals and social activists staged a demonstration outside the Maldivian High Commission in Colombo today, expressing solidarity with journalists in the Maldives following the passage of a controversial media regulation bill.

The bill, described by critics as a threat to press freedom, was passed in a special parliamentary session in Malé on Sept. 16 despite protests by journalists, opposition lawmakers and members of the public outside the legislature.

During the demonstration in Colombo, the Sri Lankan group handed over a letter to Maldivian envoys, urging the government in Malé to safeguard freedom of expression, including dissenting and opposition voices.

Media organizations, opposition parties and rights groups in the Maldives have warned that the legislation could undermine press freedoms. (Newswire)

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“A neighbour’s prosperity ensures the region’s stability.” This quiet yet resolute belief has long guided India’s approach to its closest partners. Under the framework of the Neighbourhood First policy, India’s engagement across South Asia reflects not only geographic proximity but a conscious choice to pursue regional progress hand-in-hand.

Across Sri Lanka, Indian-supported infrastructure has brought tangible improvements to everyday life. Modernisation of the island’s railways—stations, tracks, and signalling—has revived passenger confidence and accelerated freight movement from Colombo to Jaffna. Similarly, emergency economic assistance during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis, including multi-billion dollar Lines of Credit for essentials like fuel and fertilizers, came when it was needed most, demonstrating that friendship means presence in both growth and adversity.

In the Maldives, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project—India’s largest infrastructure undertaking in the country—is transforming the way communities and markets interact across the archipelago. When health systems came under strain during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian naval ships and aircraft swiftly delivered vaccines, ventilators, and medical supplies, underscoring a humanitarian partnership shaped by trust.

Nepal’s connection with India runs deep—geographically, culturally, and economically. The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, South Asia’s first transnational oil pipeline, has brought a new era of fuel security. Meanwhile, integrated check posts, cross-border rail lines, and power-sharing agreements continue to bridge borders and energize the partnership. After the 2015 earthquake, India’s rapid reconstruction aid helped restore thousands of homes and heritage sites in Nepal’s quake-hit districts.

Bhutan, India’s time-tested partner, has benefitted from Indian investments in hydropower—such as the Mangdechhu and Tala projects—whose electricity exports are not only Bhutan’s economic mainstay but a contributor to India’s green energy goals. Indian scholarships, teacher training programmes, and digital connectivity projects have complemented this growth, enhancing education and governance capacity in Thimphu and beyond.

In Bangladesh, ties have deepened through shared infrastructure and cultural bonds. The Maitree Thermal Power Plant at Rampal and the revitalisation of inland waterways have boosted energy cooperation and trade. Joint initiatives on border markets and digital connectivity continue to generate livelihoods and ease commerce. The regular exchange of students, artists, and civil servants adds warmth to a historically rich relationship.

India’s outreach extends eastward into Myanmar through projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport System and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, enhancing connectivity between Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Despite political uncertainty in Myanmar, India remains engaged in humanitarian and developmental assistance, including food and medical aid for conflict-affected communities.

Even in conflict-ravaged Afghanistan, India’s engagement left a lasting footprint. The Afghan Parliament building in Kabul, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and scholarships for Afghan youth were not just diplomatic efforts—they were investments in a future rooted in peace and people.

Crucially, India’s development cooperation is not extractive, but collaborative. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, thousands of professionals from across the region are trained annually—in agriculture, governance, disaster response, and public health—creating a network of shared expertise.

These initiatives are not isolated gestures but expressions of a larger vision. One in which railways, roads, power lines, and classrooms become the foundations of lasting partnerships. In this vision, India’s growth is intrinsically linked to that of its neighbours. And when neighbours move forward together—with compassion, connectivity, and conviction—the entire region rises. (ANP)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Forum in the Maldives yesterday, aimed at inviting the Maldivian business community to invest in Sri Lanka by showcasing the country’s high potential in sectors such as investment, trade and tourism.

According to the President’s Office, the forum was jointly organized by the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives and the Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

Addressing the Maldivian business community, President Dissanayake highlighted the opportunities and capabilities for strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The President emphasized that since overcoming the 2022 economic crisis, Sri Lanka has achieved economic stability through robust reforms and international collaboration, making it a more conducive environment for investment.

The President stated that challenges such as high inflation have now been brought under control and that Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves have been strengthened. He noted that at present the country is on a clear and stable economic path, with a projected 5% growth in 2025. 

President Dissanayake also emphasized the political stability established following the 2024 parliamentary election, where a two-thirds majority government was formed. Under the national vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” Sri Lanka is progressing toward transparent governance and a society free of corruption and irregularities.

The President informed Maldivian investors about Sri Lanka’s investment-friendly environment and highlighted major opportunities in sectors such as tourism, food processing, fisheries, real estate, urban infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT).

Commending the strategies implemented by the Maldives to promote its tourism sector, the President emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in expanding the tourism industry within the Indian Ocean region. With Sri Lanka expecting 3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, he noted the great potential for Maldivian investors to invest in new hotel ventures.

The President also pointed out the mutual benefits that could be achieved through enhanced collaboration in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture and agro-processing.

Special attention was given to the ICT sector, where Sri Lankan professionals have demonstrated strong capabilities in adopting emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and machinery learning. He stated that this offers considerable opportunities for fresh investments in the digital economy.

Long-term investment opportunities were also discussed, particularly in areas like maritime logistics, urban development projects and luxury housing. The President assured that Sri Lanka is in the process of introducing the necessary legal reforms to protect investor rights and encourage new investments. 

The forum also spotlighted the Colombo Port City, which the President described as a future hub for finance, healthcare, education and innovation, offering immense investment potential as a modern financial and business area.

Describing the Maldives not just as a neighbour but as Sri Lanka’s closest friend and trusted partner, President Dissanayake invited Maldivian entrepreneurs to become part of Sri Lanka’s forward journey by investing in its future.

Maldivian Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, also addressed the gathering, along with Mr. Sudesh Mendis, Chairman of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council.

A Q&A session followed, where the President and other officials responded to queries raised by members of the business community.

Top Maldivian business leaders from sectors such as hospitality, F&B, healthcare, construction, maritime and trade participated in the forum. The event served as a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue and enhanced bilateral cooperation in these key areas.

Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Sri Lankan delegation, participated in the event. Officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission in the Maldives, including the Acting High Commissioner, were also in attendance. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged with the Sri Lankan community residing in the Maldives during a special event held at the Maldives National University yesterday (30).

During the meeting, which took place during the recent visit to the Maldives, the President had informed the Sri Lankan community that the country was moving away from a culture of corrupt politics and the government was instead building a new political culture.

“I assured them that we are committed to upholding the trust they have placed in us. I explained that we are moving away from a culture of corrupt politics and instead building a new political culture, steadily guiding the country’s broken economy towards stability and ensuring equal enforcement of the law for all,” he said.

In a post on social media, the President further said, “I also expressed my gratitude to the Sri Lankans in the Maldives who contributed to the recent election victories, and invited them to join hands in the effort to build a prosperous nation”.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also addressed the concerns they raised regarding the current situation in Sri Lanka and the circumstances they are facing in the Maldives. (Newswire)

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The Maldivian government has decided to issue free 90-day on-arrival tourist visas to Sri Lankan citizens travelling to the Maldives for tourism purposes.

The decision was announced, coinciding with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ongoing visit to the Maldives. 

According to the President’s Office, this visa arrangement comes into effect from July 29, 2025. 

To obtain the visa, travellers must possess a valid international travel document and confirm that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the Maldives.

The Maldivian government states this visa facility is being provided under the provisions of the bilateral visa facilitation agreement between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and per the immigration laws and regulations of the Maldives.

The Maldivian government also emphasized that this move reaffirms the high priority its government places on relations with Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived at the Maldives on a three-day official state visit. 

The visit comes at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

According to the Maldivian President’s Office, this is President Dissanayaka’s first state visit to the Maldives since assuming office in September 2024. 

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The state visit, scheduled from July 28th to 30th, will include bilateral discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the President of the Maldives, along with other senior officials of the country. 

During the visit, several agreements aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka-Maldives cooperation are expected to be signed.

Additionally, during the state visit, the President is scheduled to attend a community event organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Maldives, where he will meet with the Sri Lankan expatriate community residing in the Maldives. (Newswire)

His Excellency @anuradisanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, arrives in the Maldives on a state visit, at the invitation of His Excellency President Dr @MMuizzu.

This is President Disanayaka’s first state visit to the Maldives since assuming… pic.twitter.com/NYurmJ6v78

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) July 28, 2025

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The government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at the rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said. 

The Prime Minister made the remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held in Colombo yesterday. The event was held under the theme “Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road.”

Addressing the event, PM Amarasuriya said the primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster the connection among people, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation within South Asia.

“China continues to attract millions of tourists with its vast and diverse landscapes, centuries-old heritage sites, and distinctly modern cities. The Maldives represents idyllic islands with pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned luxury resorts. Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of experiences from the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the golden southern coastline to the mist-covered tea plantations of the central highlands,” she said.

PM Amarasuriya said that, as such, the government is currently focused on building a tourism industry that not only focuses on generating income but also protects the nation’s ecosystems, values cultural heritage, and empowers communities.

Pointing out that in this regard, regional cooperation is of vital importance to Sri Lanka, she said this forum creates the path for streamlining visa processes, aligning health and safety standards, developing integrated marketing strategies, and attracting international investments.

“Our aim is to transform the tourism sector into one that reaches rural communities, supports women entrepreneurs, and encourages youth participation. The government is already taking measures to promote eco-tourism, enhance digital tourism infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of local tourism service providers. Particularly, attention has also been directed toward establishing a community-based tourism model that ensures tourism benefits reach underrepresented regions of the country,” she said. 

PM Amarasuriya went on to note that collaborating with the innovations of China presents an opportunity to elevate the tourism industry to new heights in Sri Lanka.

“It is important to remember that the true value of the tourism industry lies not only in its economic returns but also in its ability to nurture human connections. It provides the power to dismantle uniform perspectives, foster empathy, and build peace. In a divided world, tourism opens pathways to unite across borders, cultures, and generations,” she said. 

The event was attended by the heads of the Chinese and Maldivian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other distinguished guests. (Newswire)

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