President Dissanayaka receives ceremonial welcome in the Maldives

Upon his arrival in the Maldives on Monday morning for his first official state visit, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was honored with a ceremonial reception at Republic Square in the afternoon.

The Sri Lankan President arrived in Maldives at 0825 hrs on Monday morning. He was welcomed at the Velana International Airport (VIA) by President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu.

A ceremonial welcome for President Dissanayake, hosted by President Muizzu, was conducted at 1630 hrs on Monday afternoon at Republic Square in Male’ city. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, and the Sri Lankan President greeted the assembled Cabinet Ministers.

Subsequently, the President of Sri Lanka proceeded to the President’s Office to sign the book of dignitaries in a cultural procession, accompanied by the MNDF Drum and Trumpet Band.

President Dissanayake's visit to Maldives is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday of this week.

Agreements between the two nations are also slated for signing during the visit.

Maldives established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965, thereby marking the 60th anniversary of the bilateral relationship this year.

The President's Office had previously announced that discussions between the two leaders would focus on strengthening bilateral relations.

This marks President Dissanayake's inaugural visit to Maldives since assuming office in September 2024.