The Maldives extends an open hand; will Sri Lanka take it??

At a recent press conference in Colombo announcing the Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2025, Maldives’ High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, delivered a poignant message: Sri Lanka must rekindle its historic bond with the Maldives, one rooted in mutual trust, economic partnership, and cultural kinship. His remarks struck a chord, urging policymakers and business leaders to reflect on why the once-flourishing relationship has frayed and how it can be restored.

“Many Sri Lankans don’t even understand Maldivian tourists,” he lamented, highlighting how Maldivians often feel unwelcome in Sri Lanka despite their long-standing ties. He reminisced about the 1950s and 1960s, when the two nations operated in seamless harmony when Maldive fish was a cherished export to Sri Lanka, and Ceylon Tours pioneered Maldivian tourism before the archipelago became a luxury hotspot.

“We didn’t see any difference between Sri Lanka and the Maldives back then,” he said. “Today, it’s a problem.”

The High Commissioner pointed to four decades of misunderstandings that led the Maldives to turn elsewhere – toward Dubai and other markets – despite its geographic and cultural proximity to Sri Lanka. Yet, he acknowledged the resilience of private-sector players like Ceylon Tours and the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council (SLMBC) which comes under the purview of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, who have kept the connection alive.

Suren Ediriweera, Managing Director of Ceylon Tours, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the untapped synergies in tourism. “World tourism is a huge market. Why shouldn’t Sri Lanka and the Maldives collaborate instead of compete?” he asked.

A key issue highlighted by Sudesh Mendis, President of SLMBC, is Sri Lanka’s outdated perception of the Maldives. “Male is still viewed by many Sri Lankans as a country that only dries fish. But the Maldives has transformed into a global tourism and logistics hub, with only a fraction of its economy still tied to traditional industries, “he said.

High Commissioner Imad urged Sri Lankans to see the Maldives as a leisure destination, and Maldivians coming to Sri Lanka as respectable guests, and urged to drop the so-called security concern as Maldivian tourists in Sri Lanka are not brandishing guns. And why do Sri Lankans look for holidays in Australia and Canada, but not the Maldives?” he asked, listing pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports that remain unexplored by Sri Lankan travellers.

“It’s time to reset relations in tourism collaboration as joint travel packages, dual-destination promotions, and a more welcoming visa process by the authorities could attract more Maldivian tourists to Sri Lanka. We don’t have to look at each other as competitors,” the High Commissioner stressed. “We must look at each other as brothers.”

As the Hotel Asia Exhibition 2025 approaches where Sri Lanka will showcase its brands, the hope is that this event becomes a catalyst for renewed ties. The Maldives has extended an open hand; will Sri Lanka take it?

The answer lies in whether Sri Lanka’s policymakers and business leaders heed this call and whether the two nations can rewrite their shared history for a brighter, more collaborative future.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a significant diplomatic engagement underscoring the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, paid an official visit to the Ministry of Environment on Monday. The discussions centered around bolstering bilateral cooperation on climate-friendly initiatives, aligning with global carbon reduction targets and supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to cleaner energy systems.

Welcoming the ambassador, Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi expressed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening its environmental policy frameworks in line with international best practices. “This is not merely about funding or infrastructure, Patabendi said. “It’s about forging long-term partnerships that support our national objectives on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality.”

A major highlight of the discussion was the implementation of key environmental projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These include the proposed Matara and Chilaw Solar Power Projects, which are expected to significantly augment Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity and a biomass project that fall under the Paris Agreement’s guidelines.

“These initiatives are not only technical solutions—they are symbolic of Japan’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s green transformation, said ambassador Mizukoshi. “Through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), we can mutually benefit by reducing emissions and sharing carbon credits, while setting an example for regional collaboration.”

Under the JCM framework, participating countries implement low-carbon technologies with Japanese support and share the resulting emissions reductions. Sri Lanka has been a signatory to the mechanism since 2013, but the government has now pledged to reinvigorate its engagement under the current administration.

The proposed biomass project, to be implemented under the Paris Agreement, aims to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy in rural areas. The initiative is expected to involve local communities in the management of biomass resources, creating green jobs and reducing deforestation pressure.

Patabendi emphasized that such projects must be carefully planned and community-centered. “We must ensure that the biomass project is not just about reducing carbon—it must uplift rural livelihoods and align with our biodiversity conservation goals, he noted.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, who was also present at the meeting, echoed the importance of multi-stakeholder support. “We are taking these discussions to parliament, so there is a unified national approach to environmental diplomacy, he said. “As we welcome support from international partners like Japan, it is vital that these projects resonate with the grassroots. Our goal is not just renewable energy, but an equitable green transition.”

Jayakody added that Sri Lanka has already submitted project proposals through the JCM that include waste-to-energy plants and micro-grid systems in underserved regions.

Another key item on the agenda was Japan’s candidacy for the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress to be held in Abu Dhabi. Japan is seeking Sri Lanka’s formal support for its bid and officials from both countries discussed the strategic importance of this engagement.

“This is a time for solidarity among Asia-Pacific nations, Patabendi commented. “We believe Japan’s leadership at the IUCN Congress can steer the global conservation agenda in a more inclusive and scientifically grounded direction.”

Sri Lanka is expected to issue an official statement of support ahead of the Congress, with ministry officials currently coordinating with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was also attended by Rohitha Uduwawala, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment; Kenji Ohashi, Head of Economic Development Cooperation at the Japanese embassy and Ms. Sachi Tanaka, JCM Officer in Charge.

By Ifham Nizam

The Colombo Stock Exchange announces the appointment of Ms. Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective 9th July 2025 succeeding Mr. Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after an outstanding 31-year career at the CSE.

Ms. Perera, previously served as Senior Vice President – Broker Supervision and Listed Entity Compliance among several other roles at the CSE, and has completed a structured period of understudy in preparation for this role.

With over 17 years of experience at the CSE, Ms. Perera brings deep regulatory expertise and a strong understanding of capital market operations. Her appointment ensures continuity and strategic focus in the Exchange’s regulatory function.

Mr. Wijayawardhane will continue to support the transition in a non-executive capacity, ensuring a smooth and seamless handover.

The CSE expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Wijayawardhane for his exceptional and dedicated service and looks forward to Ms. Perera’s stewardship as it continues to uphold the highest standards of market integrity and stakeholder trust.