In a significant milestone for the Maldivian diaspora, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially launched the service of printing and issuing national identity cards and passports in Sri Lanka during his ongoing state visit to the country.
The launch ceremony took place at the High Commission of Maldives in Colombo, marking a new chapter in consular services for Maldivians residing abroad.
The President was accompanied by his spouse, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, during the visit. Upon arrival at the Maldives High Commission, they were warmly welcomed by High Commissioner of Maldives to Sri Lanka Masood Imad. Following the official welcome, President Muizzu signed the distinguished visitors' book and took the opportunity to meet with the staff of the High Commission, expressing appreciation for their service to the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka.
During the ceremony, President Muizzu handed over the first locally-issued Maldivian passport to a Maldivian citizen living in Sri Lanka.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to introduce identity card services in countries where Maldivians frequently travel or reside. Sri Lanka becomes the second nation to offer these passport and ID card services outside the Maldives, following Malaysia, which was the first country to provide such conveniences to Maldivians abroad.
The selection of Sri Lanka for this service reflects the substantial presence of the Maldivian community in the country. With these new services now operational, Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka can obtain or renew their passports and national identity cards without the need to travel back to the Maldives, significantly reducing the time, expense, and logistical challenges previously associated with such consular matters.
The government has simultaneously strengthened domestic services by establishing passport and identity card facilities across all Atolls of the Maldives, ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens both at home and abroad.
In addition to the official functions at the High Commission, the President visited the Maldives Cultural Centre in Colombo, where he reviewed the range of community services provided to Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.
The Maldives Cultural Centre is located at Sosun Villa, a landmark property that serves as an educational and cultural hub for the local Maldivian community, offering Dhivehi language classes and Islamic education.