COLOMBO: On the 59th Independence Day of Maldives, I would like to extend my greetings to His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, the Government and people of Maldives, and the members of the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka.
Independence Day is when we celebrate our liberty and freedom. The day evokes in all of us a deep sense of patriotism and community. It is a day when we come together as one, to pay homage to our unique Maldivian identity and our rich history.
Today, we also mark 59 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Both Maldives and Sri Lanka share deep-rooted civilizational, historical, cultural, and social ties. In fact, on 26 July 1965, it was in Sri Lanka that the accord which ended the British rule over Maldives as its protectorate was signed.
The age-old relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka has been further strengthened through frequent and vibrant people-to-people connections. Hundreds of Maldivians call Sri Lanka their ‘second home,’ while many Sri Lankan nationals live and work in the Maldives. The contribution of Sri Lankans to the education, medical, hospitality and other professional sectors of Maldives is immeasurable. Through mutually beneficial collaboration and broader cooperation, both Maldives and Sri Lanka can contribute positively to peace, security, development, and prosperity of our respective countries, the South Asian region and beyond.
Let us use the opportunity of this joyous occasion to strengthen our bonds and to stand together and contribute to nation building.
Long live Maldives-Sri Lanka friendship!