President sends message of sympathy to Sri Lankan President

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of sympathy to the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, following flooding and landslides as a resulting in the loss of many lives and damaging properties and buildings across Sri Lanka.

So far 19 people have been confirmed dead in landslides across the country.

“At this time of national distress, the Government and the people of the Maldives join me in extending our profound sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka, particularly to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the injured.” The President’s message said.

President Yameen also wished every success in the rescue and recovery efforts of those who are affected by the tragedy.

Sri Lanka's disaster management center had reported 11 deaths from lightning strikes and smaller landslides elsewhere in the Indian Ocean island nation on Monday and Tuesday. Nearly 135,000 people across the country have been displaced and were being housed in temporary shelters.

More than 300 soldiers were deployed to search for survivors in the villages of Siripura, Pallebage and Elagipitya in Kegalle District, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) north of Colombo, Jayaweera said. Heavy fog and continuing rain, along with electricity outages and the instability of the ground, were complicating rescue efforts.