Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Legislative Ties to Boost Parliamentary Cooperation

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Sri Lankan Parliamentary Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne have pledged to deepen inter-parliamentary cooperation to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two neighboring nations. The discussions took place during a courtesy call paid by Speaker Wickramaratne to President Muizzu during the Maldivian leader's current state visit to Sri Lanka. The meeting focused specifically on leveraging the Maldives–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Sri Lanka–Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Association to foster closer institutional ties. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of enhancing collaboration through capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing between their respective legislative bodies. By streamlining how lawmakers interact, both nations aim to create a more structured framework for diplomatic and legislative exchange. Beyond formal policy, the talks highlighted the enduring friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, noting that the bond extends beyond government relations to include deep-rooted people-to-people ties. This social and cultural connection serves as the foundation for the political cooperation currently being pursued. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to explore new avenues for cooperation and to facilitate more frequent exchanges between parliamentarians. This commitment underscores a shared goal of elevating bilateral relations to a more strategic level. President Muizzu is visiting Sri Lanka from May 3 to 6 following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. The President is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as part of the official state delegation.