Maldivian Embassy in Sri Lanka is reportedly intimidating Maldivian residents by dispatching local police to their homes in connection with the President's current visit

Ahead of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Sri Lanka, the Maldivian Embassy in Colombo has reportedly begun intimidating Maldivians residing in the country. Local police and national security personnel are allegedly being dispatched to the residences of individuals suspected of planning to voice concerns or express dissatisfaction during the President's scheduled meeting with the Maldivian community, warning them to stay away from the event.

Complaints are mounting over alleged acts of intimidation targeting government critics ahead of a reception scheduled for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to meet with the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka during his official visit. Several Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka informed "RaajjeMV" that the Maldives Embassy has compiled a list of individuals, and is allegedly using the Sri Lankan police and national security forces to visit their homes and exert pressure.

According to a source familiar with the matter, these measures have been targeted at parents who have raised concerns regarding the management of the Maldivian Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, known as Sosun Villa, as well as the declining quality of education and teaching standards at the facility. The source further revealed that several parents were blacklisted, after which Sri Lankan police and national security personnel were dispatched to their residences to record statements. These parents were reportedly coerced into signing documents pledging that they would not attend the upcoming meeting with the President.

I believe the embassy has compiled a specific list for this purpose. They do not want the President to be informed of any of their activities during that meeting. It seems they fear that if we attend, we might disclose certain information or take action. Consequently, they are intent on preventing my presence there in Sri Lanka.

A Maldivian national residing in Sri Lanka

Providing details of the incident, one individual reported that Sri Lankan police entered several homes, conducting thorough raids and tossing belongings aside. They further alleged that residents were forced to sign statements written in Sinhala, which stipulated that despite receiving invitations to the President’s reception, they were prohibited from attending. Members of the public have alleged that these actions are a deliberate attempt to prevent reports of the embassy’s misconduct from reaching the President.

Maldivians who have resided in Sri Lanka for extended periods without any criminal record state that it is uncivilized and disgraceful for the Sri Lankan police to carry out such actions at the request of the Maldivian government. They further noted that such conduct could alter the perspective of the Sri Lankan police toward Maldivians, raising concerns that it may ultimately compromise their safety and security.

When questioned regarding the matter, the Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka denied any involvement. However, members of the public argue that the Sri Lankan police could not have obtained information about internal grievances within Sosun Villa without the embassy's involvement. Consequently, they repeatedly assert that this is a calculated act of intimidation orchestrated directly from within the embassy.