Sirisena thanks Maldives

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday thanked the Government and people of the Maldives for the assistance provided for flood relief work. 

Speaking with the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim, who called on the President at his official residence in Colombo, Sirisena said Sri Lanka has received generous support from the international community during this time of calamity because of the government’s policy of maintaining good relations with all nations. 

Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the President of the Maldives has conveyed condolences from Male and the people of the Maldives to Sri Lanka following the flooding and landslides that occurred due to torrential rains resulting in the loss of several hundred innocent lives, damage to infrastructure, and displacement. 

Dr. Asim had informed the President that the Maldives stands with Sri Lanka during this difficult time.

Dr. Asim also briefed the President on the current political developments in the Maldives. President Sirisena pointed out that a small group of unscrupulous elements travel between the two countries and commit illegal activities and emphasised the need for joint action to curb such activities. The Foreign Minister assured the President that his country would extend its fullest cooperation to immigration and police in Sri Lanka in this regard.

Foreign Secretary Esala Weerakoon and High Commissioner of the Maldives Zahiya Zareer were also present on this occasion.