President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka will be eligible for national healthcare insurance service, Aasandha, from April onwards. The president made the announcement whilst meeting with the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka.
The president further noted the administration is working towards providing healthcare insurance services to the Maldivian community in other neighbouring countries as well, as part of the efforts of the administration to help Maldivians living abroad. Moreover, the president noted the administration has eased the student loan schemes, in response to requests made in previous visits.
Highlighting the longstanding historic relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka, the president noted Sri Lanka was the first country that helped Maldives gain independence and the first overseas embassy in Maldives was established in Sri Lanka.
Expressing gratitude for Sri Lanka’s manifold assistance to the Maldives, the president noted Sri Lanka has greatly contributed to the development of the educational system of Maldives, especially towards establishing an English medium of education.
Moreover, he noted Sri Lankan aid and cooperation has greatly contributed to the enhancing of healthcare, infrastructure and overall economy of Maldives. Additionally, he thanked the Sri Lankan government, its leaders and the citizens for always supporting the Maldives in its fight for democracy.
President Solih also stressed the key objective of the administration’s foreign policy is to safeguard the independence and sovereignty, and thereby ensure the country's security. He appealed to Maldivian expatriates in Sri Lanka to always embody Maldivian values of discipline and decency in the conduct and to strive to ensure Sri Lankans retain the positive view of Maldivians.
During the three-day visit, President Solih will meet with President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena to discuss further avenues to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.