COLOMBO : As the Republic of Maldives proudly commemorates the 60th anniversary of its independence, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka.
This historic milestone is not only a celebration of our national sovereignty, but also a moment of reflection – on the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that have long defined our relationship with Sri Lanka – our closest neighbour and steadfast partner.
Since gaining independence in 1965, the Maldives has chartered a remarkable path of resilience, transformation and progress. From modest beginnings as a newly independent island nation, we have emerged as a vibrant democracy, firmly committed to sustainable and inclusive development, environmental conservation and climate action, good governance, and regional stability through cooperation.
Sri Lanka has played an important and crucial role in this journey. Our diplomatic relations, formally established in the year of our independence, have grown into a multifaceted partnership founded on mutual respect, cultural affinity, and shared aspirations. Our collaboration continues to deepen across diverse sectors – from education and healthcare to trade, tourism, and regional security – and is enriched by strong people-to-people connections.
We are deeply grateful for Sri Lanka’s steadfast support in regional and international fora for its continued engagement to initiatives that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. As we mark this significant occasion, we look forward to building on the momentum of our partnership, guided by our shared geography, common history, and a united vision for the future.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Maldives, I convey our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for their unwavering friendship and goodwill over the past six decades. May the close ties between our two nations continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
