Maldives remains steadfast and “firmly” committed to the fight against terrorism and stands in solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka at this time of national crisis and grief, says Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

FM Shahid gave this assurance through a message of condolence sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Tilak Marapana, following the many explosions that have been going off in Sri Lanka since Sunday morning.

The Maldives Minister expressed grief over the hundreds of innocent lives that were taken and the vast number of casualties that have been increasing since Sunday.

“The Maldives strongly condemns these heinous and cowardly acts of terrorism perpetrated against innocent people” the message further reads.

FM Shahid extended condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the government and people of Sri Lanka particularly to the families of the deceased and injured, on behalf of the government and people of Maldives.

A statement by the Ministry earlier revealed that the Maldives is in deep shock by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo Sri Lanka.

While President Solih also appointed a special envoy to Sri Lanka to inquire on the situation and condition of Maldivians who may have been affected by the explosions, the government is also closely monitoring the status of Maldivians living there, it revealed on Sunday.

State minister at the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Khaleel also departed to Sri Lanka on Sunday evening.

More explosions have been reported on Monday, with one having gone off while an officer was attempting to defuse it. International media reports that the death toll has risen to 290 and that the authorities have arrested 24 people in connection with the attacks.

At least 39 tourists were killed in the Sri Lanka bombings on Sunday, the country’s tourism minister said on Monday, cited CNN.

The string of bombs began going off in churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.