Sri Lanka asked to waive off visa fees for Maldivian students under 18 years

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has asked the Sri Lankan government to waive off visa fees for Maldivian students under the age of 18 years. 

He made the request in a meeting with the new Sri Lankan High Commissioner Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq, who presented his credentials to President Solih on Tuesday morning. 

Speaking with High Commissioner Sadiq, President Solih congratulates him on his appointment, and discussed a wide range of topics, including strengthening economic cooperation, education development, and agricultural development. 

President Solih expressed hope to High Commissioner Sadiq that the Sri Lankan government would consider a proposal to waive off visa fees for Maldivian students under the age of 18 years – a move which he said would provide great relief for Maldivian families residing in Sri Lanka. 

President Solih and High Commissioner Sadiq discussed the current COVID-19 situation and the latest updates on the vaccination programs in both countries. 

President Solih also extended 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 recalled fond memories of his successful visit to Sri Lanka in November 2021, during which he held discussions with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on further enhancing relations between the two countries. 

President Solih went on to describe Sri Lanka as one of the important partners of Maldives and extended his gratitude to the Sri Lankan government for the cooperation and assistance provided to Maldives over the years.  

President Solih and the High Commissioner Sadiq concluded the meeting by expressing hopes of further solidifying the existing relations between the two countries in the coming years. 

Maldives established diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965.