New impetus to Lanka-Maldives relations

Govt presents library building to Maldives

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama was on an official visit to the Maldives from October 31 to November 2 to present the Central Library building, which is a gift to the Government of the Maldives by Sri Lanka and to take stock of and bolster the existing longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. The Minister handed over the Library to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdullah Shahid at a ceremony in Male.

The President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, at the invitation of the Minister Bogollagama, unveiled the plaque of the Library building. President Gayoom's presence demonstrated the close relationship the two countries have been enjoying for many centuries.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister while appreciating the gift of the library said that the Library is a testimony of the friendship and co-operation between the two countries.

The Minister said that the historical relations dates back to several millennia and the contemporary relations that have been diversified into many spheres of co-operation have received a new impetus with the increased interaction and involvement between the two countries in the recent period. Bogollagama said that the gift of the Library will help contribute towards realising the vision of the President of the Maldives to create a knowledge based citizenry.

The two leaders discussed peace and the security situation in their countries and underlined the importance of intensifying existing bilateral co-operation to address the menace of terrorism in its all forms and manifestations.

The Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Maldives reviewed the relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction over the progress made to diversify the relations especially of economic importance.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Intelligence Co-operation during the visit. The MoU will provide the framework for cooperation in preventing, suppressing and combatting terrorism, cross-border financing of terrorism, illicit arms and drug trafficking, sea piracy and other related transnational organised criminal activities through the exchange and flow of information and intelligence.

It will also enhance the cooperation between the two countries' law enforcement agencies and strengthen the capacity building and capabilities in the relevant fields through networking and exchange programs.

Minister Bogollagama also opened the new Chancery and Official Residence of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Male at the "Haifa" building in the presence of hundreds of Sri Lankan expatriates in Male'.