Maldives and Sri LankA:

Bilateral relations reach greater heights

By Manjula Fernando

With just a few more weeks to go for the second Presidential elections in the Maldives on September 7, President Dr. Mohamed Waheed made a work visit to Sri Lanka, where he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President's House on July 6.

A candidate himself in the upcoming election, the President said the Maldives considers Sri Lanka as a friend in need and the two countries have taken bi-lateral relations to new heights through the years. Being small island States the two countries have a better understanding of mutual concerns and issues that weigh them down.

He assured that the upcoming presidential polls in the Maldives will be free and fair while expressing confidence in a second term as Head of State.

Q: What was the purpose of your visit?

A: This visit is really to have a routine discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, our relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka is close. We try to keep in touch with each other. We discussed strengthening trade relations and also health care issues. There are many Maldivian nationals who come to Sri Lanka health services now.

We went to Lanka Hospitals, Colombo, a popular hospital among Maldivian patients. The National Health insurance scheme was recently extended to benefit Maldivians who reside in Sri Lanka and ensure that they have the best possible care available here. The Maldivian population in Sri Lanka is about 10,000, including children of families staying here.

Q: The Maldivian Presidential election is scheduled to be held in September. Will there be international observers to monitor elections?

A: Yes the election is on September 7. There will be international observers among hundreds of local monitors. We have got an indication that there will be observers from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Q: The Opposition accuses the Government of misusing state resources. They fear the election will not be free and fair. Would you like to comment on this?

A: There is no reason to fear. We have a open system. Anybody who would like to come and be an observer is welcome to do so, even now. The election is conducted by an independent Elections Commission. The Government has no control over the Elections Commission. They set the date for it and they organise the election with international assistance.

So far the process is quite smooth, we haven't had any major problems. Sometimes party activists try to show their colours.

That happens, I guess, in all democracies. We have somewhat of an unruly opposition, even I have to face such things when I travel also. Those are minor problems. I think we are confident that we will have a free and fair election. I don't believe there is any reason to fear otherwise.

The former President (Mohamed Nasheed) too can campaign and move around in the run-up to the presidential polls.

The Maldivian Elections Commissioner has invited Sri Lanka's Elections Chief to take part as an observer in the forthcoming presidential polls. Our High Commissioner in Colombo extended the invitation recently on behalf of our Elections Chief.

Q: Moving on to bi-lateral relations, what do you think as the most valuable component of the Sri Lanka-Maldives relations?

A: I think the most valuable thing for us is that Sri Lanka has been a steady friend and supporter of the Maldives at all times even at all international fora. We have had good relations between the people and even at Government level. Most Maldivians feel comfortable, being here. That is why we have such a large population - the largest population of Maldivians outside of the Maldives live in Sri Lanka. Most of them are here to obtain services lacking in my country.

They feel the services in Maldives are not adequate, particularly in tertiary education. They don't come here four employment.

We have about 100,000 people from other countries in the Maldives, most of them are workers, they come for employment but the Maldivians who come here, don't come for employment. They do not come to earn but to spend. They are here because they feel welcome and also because they like the education and health care services offered here.

Q: Among SAARC States, the Maldives is the only country with which Sri Lanka maintains an open visa policy, the other country is Singapore. Do you think SAARC States must open its borders for greater cooperation and facilitate free movement of people?

A: Maldivians are allowed on arrival visas for 90 days in India. We are trying to extend that, particularly to Thailand because we have a lot of Maldivians going to Thailand for trade and medical care services. We are in the process of discussing that with the Thai Government. This is indeed important for enhancing cooperation and people-to-people contact.

Q: There is an ongoing dialogue between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives on Maritime Security. What is the progress of these discussions?

A: India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been working together, they've had joint exercises between the India and Sri Lanka navies and the Maldivian Coast Guard, in the Indian Ocean to show that this particular region is safe for maritime travel.

We have discussed the issues our countries face and ways to share our military resources to make our territory safe for sea passage. The areas covered are piracy, other illegal maritime activities and protection from oil spills.

There is the trilateral discussions coming up shortly, our Minister of Defence will be visiting Sri Lanka to hold discussions. The trilateral meeting was held on July 8 attended by the Maldivian Defence Minister retired Col. Nazim, Indian National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Q: Is the Maldivian National carrier to begin direct flights to Sri Lanka?

A: Yes in August the Maldivian National Airline will be flying directly from Addu Atoll to Colombo. That will make it easier for medical tourists from the South to travel to Sri Lanka, directly without stopping in Male.

Dr. Waheed met the Heads of Missions accredited to the Maldives, based in Colombo on Saturday on the night before he flew back on Sunday.