Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has honored the official function to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Sri Lankan Independence as the Guest of Honor.

This is the first time a Maldivian President was the honorary guest at Sri Lanka’s Independence Day function.

This is also President’s first official visit to Sri Lanka after taking office. The ongoing visit is taking place on the invitation of the Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena.

Following the official function, a special special welcome is to be held in the honor of President Solih and the First Lady, Fazna Ahmed.

The President and the First Lady arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday and met with the Maldivian community living the country.

At the meeting, President Solih said that Sri Lanka is an important partner to revive the spirit of democracy in the Maldives.

President Solih said that Maldives and Sri Lanka has a very close relationship and the actions of the community must be so that the relationship would improve.

The official ceremony took place at the Galle Face Green with the President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Senior Sri Lankan Government officials and foreign dignitaries.

The Independence Day of Sri Lanka commemorates its official independence from the British since the 4th of February 1948. This national holiday is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural performances.