Muizzu's invitation to meet with Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka issued in the High Commissioner's name!
The President's upcoming meeting with the Maldivian community during his state visit to Sri Lanka has drawn public criticism after invitations were issued in the High Commissioner's name. Some residents expressed frustration over the government's perceived inaction regarding persistent challenges, including difficulties in obtaining visas and accessing US dollars while living in Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad, pictured with senior military officials of the country. | Foreign Ministry
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has faced criticism after invitations for a reception to meet the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka were issued under the name of High Commissioner Masood Imad.
A Maldivian residing in Sri Lanka told RaajjeMV that High Commissioner Masood has extended invitations to many members of the Maldivian community to attend a reception held in conjunction with President Muizzu’s visit to the country.
However, reports indicate that the gathering is a special event organized for President Muizzu to meet with the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka. It is understood that the invitations were issued under High Commissioner Masood’s name due to concerns that a direct invitation from the President might result in low attendance. He further noted that the invitations were issued in this manner to mislead the public, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from many quarters.
Furthermore, he stated that since the current administration took office, Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka have faced significant difficulties in obtaining visas and accessing US dollars, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. He added that despite the numerous concerns raised by the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka, the Maldivian Embassy there has failed to address these issues or take any initiative to monitor the welfare of its citizens.
Consequently, some Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka have stated that they will boycott any events attended by President Muizzu.
The reception will be held at The Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
At the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President Muizzu will conduct a state visit to Sri Lanka from the 3rd to the 6th of this month. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with high-level officials to discuss further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.
