Sri Lankan President Participates in Independence Day Celebrations:

1. President Maithripala Sirisena participated as the chief guest at a special reception held to commemorate Maldives’ 50th Independence Day. Sri Lanka and Maldives had established formal diplomatic relations on July 26, 1965. Thus, this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi Greets Maldives on Independence Day:

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Maldives on its Independence Day and said that India's ties with it were built on a very strong foundation. "Greetings to the wonderful people of the Republic of Maldives as they celebrate 50th Anniversary of their Independence”, his message read. He described Maldives as a valued partner in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood.

Maldives to Allow Foreign Ownership of Land:

3. Maldives has amended its constitution to allow foreign ownership of land, provided foreigners invest more than $1 billion to purchase land within specified project site and at least 70 percent of project area consists of reclaimed land. This amendment was approved in record time of one hour with 70 MPs voting for and only 14 against it. It is speculated that this law has been passed keeping Chinese interests in mind.

4. This bill has sparked rally and calls for referendum from young people stating that this initiative stands isolated from any political party or organization. They stand against this belief that a bill of this magnitude should have been rushed through parliament and made into law, with no regard to the concerns of the people.

Vice President Removed in Absentia:

5. Maldives Parliament voted on July 21 to remove Vice President Mohamed Jameel after accusing him of dereliction of duties. The Majlis voted 78-2 in favour of his removal. Mr. Jameel, elected in 2013 with President Abdulla Yameen, was in Britain and released a statement saying that he had been sidelined by the government and not allowed to work.
Ahmed Adeeb is New Vice President:

6. In a quick move, as anticipated, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb took oath of office as the new Vice President on July 22. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed.

Commonwealth Expresses Concerns over Maldives’s Membership:

7. The Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, on July 30, said that the organization wishes Maldives to remain a member of the Commonwealth. This sentiment comes when President Yameen on July 20, pushed a motion withdrawing Maldives’ membership from the Commonwealth. The parliament will hold another sitting to discuss the motion further but thus far appears to be divided.

Tribute to Dr. Kalam:

8. In a message of condolence to Indian President and Prime Minister on former President Kalam’s demise, President Yameen described Dr. Kalam as an academic and one of the most ‘remarkable contemporary leaders, who as President, was close friend of Maldives and made invaluable contribution to bilateral relations.