Maldives-Sri Lanka to sign treaty to assist curtailing crime

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to seek cabinet approval for a treaty between the governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka to cooperative efforts on combatting criminal activities.

President Muizzu made the decision after the cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss on the proposal submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

President's Office confirmed that upon the recommendation of his cabinet, Dr. Muizzu has decided to submit the text of the "Treaty Between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters" to the parliament for approval.

The treaty aims to maintain the long-standing relationship between both countries and provide mutual support and cooperation in combatting criminal offenses.

The President's Office further highlighted under the treaty, both countries are required to assist in a wide range of criminal cases, in compliance with their respective laws and regulations, as well as the provisions of the treaty.

Preliminary work on the treaty for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between the Maldives and Sri Lanka began in 2011.

While President Muizzu has decided on submitting the text for parliament approval, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan earlier requested from local law enforcement authorities to ensure maximum public safety and rid the society of gang-related criminal activities.

Gang-related violences are a looming issue in the Maldives, which has observed involvement of minors at concerning numbers in recent years.