President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has requested the Government of Sri Lanka to consider a proposal to waive off visa fees for Maldivian students under the age of 18 who are studying in Sri Lanka. The president made the request to the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq following the ceremony held to present the letter of credence of the new high commissioner.
Speaking with the high commissioner, President Solih welcomed and congratulated him on his appointment. Shedding light on the existing bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, President Solih and High Commissioner Sadiq discussed a wide range of topics, including strengthening economic cooperation, education development, and agricultural development.
On the human resource development front, President Solih expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government would consider a proposal to waive off visa fees for Maldivian students under the age of 18, which he described as a move that would provide great relief for Maldivian families residing in Sri Lanka. The president and the high commissioner also discussed the current COVID-19 situation and the latest updates on the inoculation drive in both countries.
President Solih went on to extend greetings on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day to the government and the people of Sri Lanka, which is celebrated on February 4. He also recalled fond memories of his successful visit to Sri Lanka in November 2021, where he held discussions with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on further enhancing relations between the two countries.
The president went on to describe Sri Lanka as one of the important partners of the Maldives and extended his gratitude to the government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation and assistance provided to the Maldives over the years. The president and the high commissioner concluded their call by expressing hopes of further solidifying the existing relations between the two countries in the coming years.
The Maldives established diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965.