President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has appointed a special envoy to Sri Lanka following the string of terrorist attacks across the country on Sunday.
The President's Office revealed that State Minister of Foreign Ministry Ahmed Khaleel will depart to Sri Lanka on Sunday evening. During his trip, Khaleel will be meeting with senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, and will inquire on the condition of Maldivians in Sri Lanka and ways to assist during this trying time.
The areas targeted in Sunday's coordinated blasts are areas frequented by Maldivians.
The string of explosions hit two churches as worshipers attended Easter services on the Christian holiday, in addition to several high-end hotels. The affected locations are Saint Anthony Church, Saint Sebastien Church, Zion Church, Shangri-La Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Kingsbury Hotel, and areas near Dehiwala Zoo and Mahawila Gardens. Shangri-la Hotel and Cinnamon Grande are popular hotels among Maldivians during visits to the country, while a large number of Maldivians reside in Dehiwala.
While there have been no reports of Maldivians injured in the attacks, over 15,000 Maldivians reside in Sri Lanka. The death toll of the attack has reached over 200 while more than 400 people have been injured in the horrific incident.
