SL-Maldives discuss wide range of issues during bi-lateral talks

Sri Lanka requested the Maldives to consider allowing the use of the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) for cross-border transactions by the Sri Lankan workforce for the benefit of Lankan migrant workers in the Maldives, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath disclosed today.

Mr. Herath made the disclosure at the conclusion of bilateral talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Khaleel this morning.

Mr.Herath said that Sri Lanka appreciated Maldives’ commitment in providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.

‘Tourism is a key economic driver for both our nations, and Sri Lanka plays a significant role in providing skilled professionals and tourism services to Maldives. We discussed matters of mutual cooperation to attract more tourists to our countries, l keeping in mind Sri Lanka’s target of three million tourist arrivals this year. We agreed to build partnerships through investments in the tourism and leisure sector and strengthening cooperation in mutually beneficial areas,’ Mr. Herath said.

He noted that Sri Lanka has played a key role in supporting Maldivian students and professionals and proposed examining more areas of mutual cooperation in the education sector.

The two sides also addressed a wide range of issues including collaboration  in the fisheries sector, environmental protection, ocean health, climate change and  strengthening cooperation in the renewable energy sector to benefit both economies in the long run.

‘Sri Lanka is pleased to continue its assistance in enhancing the defence sector capabilities in Maldives through provision of training to the Maldivian National Defence Force personnel. We discussed means of further collaboration in the defence sector,’ he added.