President Dr Mohamed Waheed today met with the Maldivian families and students residing in Sri Lanka, as part of his current visit to the country.
Speaking at the function, the President said that the emergence of political parties should not “wound” our country, or create conflict among family members. He said that the birth of political parties must not sow the seeds of factious dissension among our people, and that today we have lost the brotherhood that our society had once typified so well.
In his speech, President Waheed noted that every one of us wishes for the country to run smoothly and efficiently, and that those reform actions needed, would not be completed as speedily as we desire. The President then drew on the importance of patience and maintaining communal friendship and love. The President also said that this was the time to set aside our personal interests, and strive to build closer brotherly relations among us.
At the meeting held this morning at Hilton Colombo, President Waheed briefed the Maldivian community on his visit, and spoke on the economic and political scenario of the country.
The President said that this trip was a clear indication of the love, respect and close consideration in the hearts of President Rajapaksa, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, for the people of Maldives. The President further said that the main purpose of this visit was to strengthen the close ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, noting that the Sri Lankan government was ready to provide any assistance to the Maldives.
The President underlined that his visit would enable the signing of three agreements between the governments of the two countries - on trade relations, higher education opportunities, and providing legal assistance.
Highlighting the rapid recovery of the tourism sector, the President spoke on the difficulties currently being faced by the government. The President also said that a number of steps have been taken in the past six months since his assumption of office, to minimize the debt and vast expenses the country had been facing for years.
Speaking on the political situation in the Maldives, the President reiterated the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and harmony in the Maldives, and creating a peaceful environment for political parties to hold discussions. He also said that he would commence talks among all party leaders after he had concluded this visit.
In his speech, the President raised his concerns over the current state of parliamentary inactivity in the Maldives. He expressed his hopes for the resumption of parliamentary sessions in due course.
At the meeting, Mr Ibrahim Haneef spoke on behalf of the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka. In his speech, he noted the challenges being faced by Maldivians. He especially stressed on the difficulties caused due to government health insurance “Aa Sandha” not being provided for those residing abroad, and the problems faced in acquiring residential visa.
The President further assured the Maldivian community that the Government would make every effort as necessary to resolve these issues.
