Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu concluded a four-day official state visit to Sri Lanka, which commenced on May 3, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This marked President Muizzu's first visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in 2023, aimed at significantly strengthening bilateral relations between the two island nations.
President Muizzu arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, on May 3, 2026, at 5:33 PM, aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL-116. He was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation of around 20 high-ranking officials, including the Foreign Affairs Minister. Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, alongside Minister of Science and Technology Professor Krishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, and Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad, among other senior officials.
On May 4, 2026, a formal state reception ceremony was held for President Muizzu at the Presidential Secretariat, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The ceremony, which began at 10:13 AM, included the presentation of presidential honors, the playing of both national anthems, a 21-gun salute, and a guard of honour accorded by the Sri Lankan military.
Following the reception, extensive bilateral discussions were held between the two leaders, covering various sectors such as fisheries, trade, tourism, education, and health. President Dissanayake stated that the visit marked a "new turning point" in the bilateral relations. President Muizzu remarked that the visit celebrates a "soft and deep friendship" connecting the two island nations, a bond "built on trust, humanity and shared destiny", and emphasized that "The Ocean Unites Us, It Does Not Divide Us." Discussions were also held between representatives of both countries following the presidential talks.
A key outcome of the visit was the exchange of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of both Presidents at the President’s Office in Colombo. These agreements, which had previously received approval from the Sri Lankan Cabinet, include:
* Renewal of an MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism.
* An MoU on archiving cooperation.
* An MoU focusing on teachers’ and school leaders’ training and professional development.
* Renewal of an MoU on cooperation in the field of sports and youth development.
* A significant MoU on defence cooperation, involving training programs, staff exchanges, and joint research between the Maldivian Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka's General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
Following the official reception and bilateral discussions, a joint media statement was issued by the leaders of both nations. During his visit, President Muizzu also held a separate meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath to further discuss strengthening the long-term friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
To mark bilateral relations, President Muizzu planted a sapling at Viharamahadevi Park on May 4, where he was received by President Dissanayake. Dignitaries present included Deputy Speaker Risvi Sally, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayanth Fernando, and Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Baltazar. Children lined the pathway holding the national flags of both countries during the ceremony. The visit commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
On May 4, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted a special dinner for President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at the Presidential Residence. President Muizzu also met with the Maldivian diaspora in Sri Lanka, expressing confidence in finding a permanent solution to visa issues faced by Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, noting that the Sri Lankan government is prioritizing the matter.
On the afternoon of May 5, the Maldivian-Sri Lankan Business Forum was held in Colombo, with the participation of President Muizzu and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Organized by the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade, the forum was attended by leading businessmen from both nations. Addressing the forum, President Muizzu emphasized the importance of continuing the half-century-old friendship, built on political trust, close ties, and goodwill, to foster multifaceted cooperation.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and his 20-member delegation, departed Sri Lanka from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on May 6, 2026, at 7:43 AM, aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL-101, concluding his state visit. A traffic plan was implemented in the Colombo area from the evening of May 3 until May 5 to facilitate the high-profile visit.