Maldives condemns terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka

The Maldives has strongly condemned a series of explosions targeting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that has left at least 207 people dead and 450 people injured.

Condemning the bombings on Sunday morning as “cowardly acts of terrorism,” the foreign ministry declared that the Maldives “stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time of national crisis and grief.”

The statement also extended “heartfelt condolences and prayers for all those affected by these heinous attacks.”

It added that the government is closely monitoring the status of Maldivians in Colombo, a city where thousands of Maldivians reside. Consular hotlines were announced for the Maldivian community to contact for information or enquiries.

There have been no reports of Maldivians affected by the blasts, according to the embassy in Colombo.

Local media reported that two Maldivians were among guests evacuated from the Kingsbury Hotel, one of three five-star properties targeted in the Sri Lankan capital.

A nationwide curfew has since been announced in Sri Lanka.

Following the attacks, local telecom companies Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offered special rates for Maldivians to call family and friends in Sri Lanka.

Security measures have been strengthened in the Maldives, the police and army chiefs told the local press Sunday afternoon. But the Maldives is not facing credible threats, they said.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih meanwhile decided to dispatch State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel to Sri Lanka on Sunday night as a special envoy.

He would inquire about the Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka and offer assistance, the president’s office said.

Saddened by the horrific events in Sri Lanka this morning. My heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act of terror. At this difficult time, I affirm our solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and assure our support in the fight against terrorism.

— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) April 21, 2019

Shocked and saddened by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo and elsewhere in #SriLanka. Condemn unreservedly this heinous terroristic attack claiming numerous lives and injuring many. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with Govt & people of Sri Lanka & affected families.

— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) April 21, 2019

Following reports of multiple explosions in Colombo, our Embassy in Colombo is closely monitoring the situation and status of Maldivians in Sri Lanka. For assistance please contact consular hotlines: Colombo
+94727277072 or +94766942654 , Maldives +9607983400

— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) April 21, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers go to the people of Sri Lanka 🧡. We’ve reduced our call rate to Sri Lanka to MVR 1/min, from 1pm today until 12am to help you get in touch with loved ones in this tragic time. Please use the prefix 019 followed by country code and number for your calls. pic.twitter.com/jIObf5eh7x

— Dhiraagu (@Dhiraagu) April 21, 2019

Our prayers & well wishes are with all affected by the terrible incident in Sri Lanka this morning. To enable all our customers to get in touch with their family & friends in the region, all calls to Sri Lanka can now be made at a reduced charge of MVR 1 per minute till midnight. pic.twitter.com/Mzcmhz6SUn

— Ooredoo Maldives (@OoredooMaldives) April 21, 2019