Maldivian students involved in Lanka stabbing released on bail

The six Maldivian students involved in a stabbing at the Daybridge International School in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka have been released on bail.

Maldivian ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) confirmed to “Sun” that the six Maldivian students have been released on bail. They are required to present themselves at the court on October 26.

The fight, involving weapons took place at Daybridge International School last Friday evening.

Speaking to “Sun”, Mundhu said officials from the Embassy have talked to students’ parents and cautioned both the parents and the students.

He said the Daybridge International School had filed a formal complaint over the fight, but that the Embassy was talking to the school to contain the issue and get the students off on a lesser punishment.

“We are trying to settle this as lightly as possible. I have advised the students not to repeat such behavior. It could become a very serious issue if this escalates. This is not over just because they are out on bail,” said Mundhu.

He added that the parents had expressed concern over the course of action by the school regarding the incident.

Mundhu said the Daybridge International School was attended by a lot of Maldivian students. He said he was scheduled to meet with the Director of the school the coming week, during which he would inquire about the school’s policy and response towards acts of violence within the school. He said he would also request the school to strengthen student protection.

Mundhu said the students hurt in the incident are being treated at the hospital, and have been transferred to the ward. He said the students were doing well.

Mundhu said the fight originated from a dispute between two Maldivian students, and escalated when friends of the two students got involved.

Students from Sri Lanka were also involved in the fight. Details regarding the students are not clear at this point.