by Our Diplomatic Affairs Editor
The number of Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka has dramatically dropped, plummeting from over 8,000 to just 1,280 since the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019. According to reliable sources within the Maldivian government, unwise attitudes of Sri Lankan authorities toward the Maldives have significantly impacted the number of Maldivians choosing to live and work in the island nation, leading many to relocate to countries such as India, Malaysia, and other destinations.
The source, speaking with the Sri Lanka Guardian, explained that Sri Lanka’s perceived unfriendliness toward the Maldives has caused a shift in the community, which once had a vibrant presence. This movement reflects broader concerns over Sri Lanka’s handling of relations with the Maldives.
One of the main factors behind this migration is the change in Sri Lanka’s visa policy. Previously, Maldivians visiting Sri Lanka were granted a one-year multiple-entry visa. However, under the current administration, this has been reduced to just six months. This decision, attributed to Sri Lanka’s handling of visa matters, has caused frustration within the Maldivian community. A source in Male, the Maldivian capital, shared that despite public acknowledgments from President Anura Dissanayake and other Sri Lankan leaders about the mistake, the government has yet to revise the policy. “We don’t think we deserve this bullying,” the source commented.
“The Maldives has long been an important economic partner for Sri Lanka, particularly through remittances from Sri Lankans working there. The financial contributions from Maldivians surpass those from Sri Lankans living in Australia, highlighting the significance of this relationship. However, the source warned that Sri Lanka’s ongoing unwise policies toward the Maldives could result in missed opportunities for both countries.
Further complicating matters, Sri Lanka continues to classify the Maldives as a “Country of Security Concern.” The source expressed confusion over this designation, given the historical cooperation between the two nations. Notably, the Maldives helped SriLankan Airlines maintain European routes during a critical period when European nations had imposed a ban on Sri Lankan airlines following an attack on the airport by the LTTE. Despite past conflicts, such as the failed coup attempt by a Sri Lankan armed group in the 1980s, the Maldives has remained a strategic partner. The continued classification of the Maldives as a security concern is seen as counterproductive.
The Maldivian source cautioned that Sri Lankan authorities must reassess their approach to the Maldives before the relationship deteriorates further. “Sri Lanka needs to carefully monitor this situation and take proactive steps. Ignoring the economic and diplomatic benefits of a healthy relationship with the Maldives could lead to irreversible damage,” the source warned. The source also emphasized the need for Sri Lankan authorities to rely on accurate data when considering the broader implications on trade, tourism, and remittance flows from the Maldives.
This is very true. Previously, there was a warm friendly fraternal relationship between the peoples of Maldives and Sri Lanka. However, of late, we have observed this relationship wane and deteriorate, so much so, Maldivians now have second thoughts even for a weekend visit to Colombo. Lots of Maldivians consider Sri Lanka to be their second home. SL authorities should take heed of this developments and attempt to reverse the trend.
Lanka used to be our second home. We had a soft spot for lanka. Now everything has changed. Never been to lanka in about 5-6 years now. I don’t think lankan authorities find us that important also. But a lot of lankans working here and lankan businesses here. We should give those opportunities to locals and foreigners that prioritise us.
This is sad, maldives gov should re-think about foreign policies, job opportunities and foreign investments for srilankans here in maldives.