Maldivian population in Sri Lanka drastically declines

The number of Maldivians living in Sri Lanka has significantly decreased, according to a report published by a Sri Lankan newspaper.

A report published on March 27 in the "Sri Lanka Guardian" stated that over 8,000 Maldivians were living in Sri Lanka when the Easter attacks occurred on April 21, 2019. However, that number has declined to just 1,280 Maldivians currently residing in Sri Lanka.

Citing a reliable Maldivian government official, the newspaper reported that the way Sri Lankan authorities treat Maldivians has severely impacted the number of Maldivians wanting to live and work in the country. This has led Maldivians to relocate to India, Malaysia, and other countries instead.

The report noted that although there was once a friendly and enjoyable environment, the hostile policies implemented by Sri Lankan institutions toward Maldivians have changed this atmosphere.

According to the report, a major reason for the decline in Maldivians relocating to Sri Lanka is changes to visa policies. Previously, Maldivians could obtain on-arrival visas allowing multiple entries throughout the year. However, the Sri Lankan government has reduced this period to six months.

"The way Sri Lanka handled visa matters has created unease within the Maldivian community," the official said.

The newspaper reported that although a Maldivian official in Malé said that Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake and other leaders acknowledge concerns about this policy, the Sri Lankan government has not yet reviewed it.

"We don't believe we deserve to be bullied," the Maldivian official stated.

The official emphasized that the Maldives has been a long-standing partner in Sri Lanka's economy, particularly noting how remittances from Sri Lankans working in the Maldives benefit the Sri Lankan economy.

"Maldivians provide more financial assistance than Sri Lankans living in Australia, highlighting the importance of this relationship. However, due to Sri Lanka's inconsistent policies toward the Maldives, both countries could lose opportunities," the newspaper stated.

The Maldivian official expressed concern that Sri Lanka views the Maldives as a "security concern," despite the longstanding relationship between the two countries. The official noted that the Maldives provided significant assistance in maintaining Sri Lankan Airlines' European routes when they were at risk of being banned due to Tamil Tiger threats.

The Sri Lanka Guardian also mentioned that even after the 1988 coup attempt in Maldives, which involved some Sri Lankans, the relationship between the two countries remained unchanged.

"We see it as detrimental to persistently categorize the Maldives as a security concern," the official said.

The Maldivian official suggested that these measures should be eased before relations deteriorate further.

"Sri Lanka's situation needs to be carefully monitored, and proactive measures need to be taken. Neglecting the benefits of a healthy economic and diplomatic relationship could cause irreparable damage," the official stated.

Sri Lanka Guardian's report did not include any comment from the Sri Lankan government.