Sri Lanka, July 27 -- As President Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarks on a State visit to the Maldives, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu expresses his gratitude to Sri Lanka for its strong commitment to the uplift of the Maldives.

The Maldivian President, issuing a special statement on the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, said the relationship would no doubt strengthen in the coming years.

Coinciding with this statement, Sri Lanka yesterday announced that one-year visas will be given to Maldivian citizens henceforth.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a State visit to the Maldives from tomorrow till July 30 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

President Dissanay...