Maldives remains in solidarity with SL; embassy flies flag at half-mast
Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo is often described as Maldives ‘second biggest city’
Maldives Embassy in Sri Lanka
Maldives embassy in Sri Lanka is flying its flag at half-mast on Tuesday, joining the country on this National Day of Mourning following the deadliest attack in the country in 10 years.
Noting that the 23rd of April has been declared the National Day of Mourning in Sri Lanka, the embassy tweeted that it remains “in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.”
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid added that Maldives stands united with the people and government of Sri Lanka.
While over 300 people were killed in Sunday’s blasts, the country’s foreign ministry says that among them are 31 foreigners. It added that 14 foreign nationals are still missing and may be among the unidentified victims.
Two days after the attacks, Islamic State has claimed responsibility, via their Amaq news agency, saying that the explosions “were the work of fighters of the Islamic State.” It did not provide any evidence to support the claim.
Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo is often described as Maldives ‘second biggest city.’ Immediately after the news of the attack, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had appointed a special envoy to Sri Lanka, who traveled to the neighboring county that evening.
State Minister at the foreign ministry, Ahmed Khaleel met with Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha on Monday, and “expressed solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and conveyed a message of condolence from President Solih.” He also met with the country’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
