Sri Lankan leader Dissanayake arrives on three-day state visit to Maldives

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived on Monday morning on a three-day state visit to the Maldives.

He was greeted upon arrival at the Velana International Airport (VIA) in the Maldivian capital by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and other senior state officials.

The official welcoming ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Republic Square in Male’ City in the afternoon.

Following the ceremony, the two leaders will head to the President’s Office, where they will hold official talks and a joint press briefing.

According to the President’s Office, the talks will focus on “enhancing cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka in mutually beneficial areas.”

In a post on X following his arrival, Dissanayake said he is ready to engage in meaningful discussions with Maldivian leaders to strengthen the collaboration between Male’ and Colombo.

He added the two countries will also sign several MOUs aimed at enhancing cooperation.

Just landed in the Maldives! Ready to engage in meaningful discussions with President @MMuizzu and other leaders to strengthen our collaboration. We will also sign several MoUs that will enhance cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives! pic.twitter.com/zwGv9tfSXi

— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) July 28, 2025

It marks Dissanayake’s first state visit to the Maldives since assuming office in September 2024, and comes as the Maldives marks its 60th Independence Day, as well as the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the country.

The visit comes at the heels of a state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.