Sudesh Mendis, outgoing president of the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council, citing Sri Lankan workers in Maldives remit approximately USD 129 million to Sri Lanka every year, has urged the maximization of economic opportunities in the Maldives.
In an interview with Sri Lankan media outlet ‘Daily News’, Mendis said over 21,000 Sri Lankan nationals currently work in the Maldives, who generate approximately USD 129 million (approximately MVR 2 billion) in remittances to their homeland.
Mendis added that the majority of the Sri Lankan workers in the Maldives are employed in the tourism sector.
He detailed that the Maldives has evolved over the past 52 years into one of the world’s most exclusive luxury destinations. He highlighted that the country now hosts 168 resorts, 883 guesthouses, 13 hotels, and 152 safari boats, and features renowned global brands such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Soneva, Cheval Blanc, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton, and One&Only. He also emphasized the important role of Sri Lankan investors in this growth, noting that Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts operates four resorts while Aitken Spence manages five.
He added that some ultra-luxury villas now command rates of up to USD 75,000 per night, with average resort prices ranging between USD 150 and USD 1,500.
Mendis noted that Sri Lankan produce remains popular in Maldivian resorts, but warned that Sri Lanka’s overall market share has fallen to just 3.72 percent, largely due to pricing and policy challenges.
Reflecting on the deep historical ties between the two countries, Mendis said Sri Lanka has long played a pivotal role in Maldivian development, from supporting its independence in 1965 to launching the first commercial flight, developing Hulhule Airport, and introducing tourism through Ceylon Tours. He also pointed out cultural connections, including the fact that the Maldivian national anthem was composed by Sri Lankan maestro Pandit W. D. Amaradeva.
He recalled that during Sri Lanka’s recent crisis, Maldivian leaders, businesses, media, and citizens—including schoolchildren—came together to offer support, showing “a friendship rooted in centuries of shared history and goodwill.” He added that “it is imperative to rethink, rebuild, and strengthen this historic partnership,” and stressed that by learning from the past and working collaboratively, both nations can restore their relationship to its former strength and ensure mutual prosperity for future generations.
Mendis also highlighted the Maldives’ strong economic position, saying the country leads Asia in per capita income with USD 13,216, compared to Sri Lanka’s USD 4,516. He noted that the Maldives’ 2023 nominal GDP stood at USD 6.59 billion, serving a population of just 530,000, and urged Sri Lanka to seize the business and employment opportunities arising from the Maldives’ economic momentum with its close neighbor and friend.
Notably, the Mendis’ interview comes amidst a minor row between the two countries after Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad slammed poor visa facilitations for Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka in a controversial interview with a media outlet.
Commenting on Masood’s interview, former president Mohamed Nasheed advocated for eliminating visa and work permit requirements between Maldives and Sri Lanka, citing that it would enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections, promote mutual understanding and cooperation.