President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conveyed a message of sympathy and condolence to President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, following the string of explosions that occurred in Sri Lanka on Sunday.
The president condemned the blasts as "deliberate and coordinated acts of malice", stating that they were targeted at peaceful worshipers on a day that should have been full of joy and festivities.
He expressed deep sadness and shock upon learning of the explosions, on behalf of himself and the people of Maldives.
"Many Maldivians call Sri Lanka their second home. We not only mourn with our Sri Lankan cousins, but share their hurt and stand in firm solidarity with them", he said as he expressed grief over the lost lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“The Maldives adds our voice to that of the region and of the world at large condemning these acts of terror. We stand ready to do all that we can to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of grief".
Eight explosions occurred in Sri Lanka on Sunday, three churches, four hotels and one housing complex. Sri Lankan authorities also discovered an explosive device in Peta, and stated that they were working to defuse the bomb.
The Sri Lankan defence minister stated Sunday afternoon that they knew the identities of the perpetrators behind the attacks but did not disclose further details.
Meanwhile, Maldives' State Minster of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel is set to depart to Sri Lanka late Sunday as a special envoy of President Solih, to inquire into the situation of Maldivians in Sri Lanka.
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