Sri Lanka president seeks Maldives investments

Maldivian businesses have been invited to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka during the ongoing state visit by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Maldives.

President Dissanayake, who assumed office in November 2024, is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The visit marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. President Dissanayake is scheduled to conclude his visit on Wednesday.

Following official talks held on Monday, the two presidents issued a joint statement outlining the areas of discussion and future cooperation. President Dissanayake noted that the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and promoting collaboration in mutually beneficial sectors, including trade and investment.

He stated that the two sides had identified key sectors for cooperation and expressed confidence in Sri Lanka as a reliable destination for foreign investment. He shared details with President Muizzu on Sri Lanka’s single window investment facilitation system and its range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available to foreign investors.

President Dissanayake also introduced opportunities within industrial zones and advanced technology parks in Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to Maldivian businesses to invest in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, real estate, and urban infrastructure.

The talks further covered cooperation in the fields of education, tourism, and aviation. Both sides discussed the potential to enhance air connectivity and to expand trade in agriculture and other sectors relating to the environment and social development.

Discussions also included renewable energy, youth empowerment, and sports collaboration. Both parties reviewed major opportunities in the fisheries and marine sectors, including sustainable fisheries practices and access for Sri Lankan fishing vessels to the Arabian Sea via Maldives.

Additional topics included defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and the strengthening of cultural and heritage ties.

President Dissanayake concluded his statement by thanking President Muizzu and the Maldivian government for the hospitality extended to him during his visit. He assured continued cooperation between the two countries and extended an invitation for President Muizzu to visit Sri Lanka.

Before returning to Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake is scheduled to attend a business forum and meet with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in the Maldives.