A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Archiving Cooperation between the National Archives of Sri Lanka and the National Archives of Maldives was signed on 4th May 2026 by Sri Lanka’s Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iruthisham Adam of the Maldives.

In pursuing the desire to promote friendly bilateral relations, not only among leaders but also among the public, the MoU seeks to enhance cooperation in the field of archives and records management and archival preservation, share archival expertise and promote sustainable archival practices between the two countries.

Both states and their respective National Archives would promote the exchange of information on archives and records management, as well as international activities and events related to the field organized in either of the countries and representatives would be encouraged to participate in these events to foster collaboration.

This includes exchanging experts, copies and metadata of archives in order to facilitate diverse cooperation. Further, the National Archives of both nations shall also support the exchange of exhibitions in the field.

In a bid for further cooperation, the National Archives of each country would commit to further collaboration by developing their human resources by means of exchange programmes, study visits, training and education of personnel in the fields of archives and records management.

This would involve the participation of officials in the various field-related seminars organised by the National Archives of both countries.

This cooperation extends into new technologies as both parties agreed to share expertise and new knowledge regarding emerging technologies and concepts to benefit both Sri Lanka and the Maldives in their valued pursuits of preserving and conserving their National Archives for generations to come.

The Sri Lanka National Archives has significant collections of interest to the Maldives, including H. C. P Bell’s records with historical information on the Maldives.

The Hon. President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu and the Hon. President of Sri Lanka, Anura Dissanayake overlook the signing of the MoUs by the foreign ministers of both countries. Image source: President's Office, Sri Lanka