President Abdulla Yameen has extended greetings to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, as the country celebrates its 69th Independence Day on Saturday.

In his message to President Sirisena, President Yameen extended felicitations and warms wishes from the government and people of Maldives, to President Sirisena, the government and the "friendly people of Sri Lanka."

"I am convinced that through our joint efforts, the extant relations grounded in close cooperation, understanding and reciprocity will be further strengthened in the coming years to ensure a stronger development partnership for the mutual benefit of two people and countries as well as continued regional peace and prosperity," reads the message.

The President also conveyed his "personal best wishes" for President Sirisena's "good health and happiness, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka's 69th Independence Day is being celebrated under the theme "National Unity", at the Galle Face Green under the patronage of President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe.

In his message to mark the occasion, President Sirisena said that "the realization of the true meaning of freedom and independence lies in the country's potential to free itself from the shackles of all kinds and forms of poverty and ill-health, and confines of divisive identities of race, religion and caste, and enrich ourselves, as a society that values equity and rights of all."