President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said he has received assurances of a permanent solution to visa-related difficulties faced by Maldivians living in Sri Lanka.
The President made the remarks while speaking to members of the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka, as part of his ongoing state visit.
President Muizzu noted that efforts during the visit have focused on strengthening bilateral ties and improving services for citizens of both countries. He said discussions were held on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, and development initiatives, adding that several key agreements were formulated with the Sri Lankan government during the trip.
Addressing visa-related concerns, the President said he had discussed the issue with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with a view to securing a lasting solution to the challenges faced by Maldivians.
He noted that efforts to ease visa processes had been ongoing over the past two years, even prior to the current visit, and said the Sri Lankan government is now prioritising a resolution. President Muizzu added that President Dissanayake has personally assured that a permanent solution will be implemented.
The President expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved, stating that there is strong hope for a lasting solution and that practical steps will now move forward to address the matter.
In addition to visa concerns, President Muizzu revealed that progress is being made towards opening a branch of the Bank of Maldives (BML) in Sri Lanka. He said the initiative is expected to be finalised soon and would benefit both Maldivians living in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan nationals residing in the Maldives.
The President also addressed the need for improvements to Sosun Villa, the Maldivian educational and cultural centre in Sri Lanka. He said the facility requires renovation and upgrading to better serve the community.
Planned improvements include repairing and upgrading the building’s infrastructure, enhancing classrooms and sports facilities, and developing an indoor sports complex similar to those being established across the Maldives. He also highlighted the need to expand and strengthen the services currently provided at the centre.
President Muizzu concluded by stating that upon his return to the Maldives, priority would be given to implementing these improvements to support the Maldivian community abroad.