Ambassador of Maldives to Sri Lanka Mohamed Hussain Shareef has assured the government is closely monitoring the condition of Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.
Highlighting that about 140 Maldivians live in Kandy, Ambassador Mohamed Hussain Shareef noted the embassy is in direct contact with them. Maldivians should stay cautious at all times since the clashes are between Buddhists and Muslim minority, the Ambassador said speaking to PSM News, urging to stay in at all times unless necessary.
Noting that internet services are not available in some parts of Sri Lanka, the Ambassador expressed some issues might be faced when trying to contact the Maldivians in those regions. The State of Emergency is only declared in Kandy district and it does not affect Colombo, adding there are no restrictions to Maldivians in Sri Lanka, underscored Ambassador Shareef.
Furthermore, the Maldivian Ambassador refuted claims that some people are facing difficulties in reaching the embassy noting the embassy staff are always ready to assist and provide any necessary information.
Muslim owned businesses and religious sites in Sri Lanka have come under attack from Buddhist mobs, forcing the government to enforce a curfew. The government has now imposed a State of Emergency in an effort to curb unrest, with a number of social networks and messaging services including Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, and Instagram blocked nationwide for three days.
Tensions between Muslim and Buddhist communities in the country have escalated since the end of the civil war in May 2009.