According to Sri Lankan media outlets, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to visit the Maldives in July.
In this regard, Sri Lankan media outlets state Dissanayake will likely undertake a three-day official visit to the Maldives in the last week of July. If so, the trip will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka on July 29th.
Citing sources from Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, the media outlets reported that the discussions will centre on the development of bilateral trade, regional cooperation, and economic ties, with the main focus being the establishment of a Maldives–Sri Lanka Free Economic and Free Movement Zone.
A free economic and free movement zone would enable citizens to live, work, study, set up businesses, and own property in either country without visas or work permits.
This is similar to European Economic Area (EEA) between European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which extends the benefits of the EU's single market to these countries.
Dissanayake’s visit to Maldives would mark his sixth official foreign visit since assuming office.
Notably, Indian media outlets have earlier reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Maldives in conjunction with the Maldives’ Independence Day.
However, no official authorities from India, Sri Lanka, or the Maldivian government have officially confirmed these high-level visits.