On 5 February, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, H.E. Masood Imad, paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence. The meeting provided an opportunity for amicable engagement and focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in the fields of defence and security. The Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of close collaboration and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to further expand defence ties with the Maldives. Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Fathimath Ghina was also present, reflecting a coordinated and constructive approach to bolstering regional security partnerships.

Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and relevant government ministries were also part of the discussions, underscoring the multi-agency effort to explore opportunities for collaboration and reinforce mutual strategic priorities.