Easter Blasts kill 310: UAE against travel to Sri Lanka

By Sheena Amos

UAE condoles Lanka on 290 killed

ABU DHABI 22 April 2019: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), has issued a warning cautioning UAE citizens against travelling to Sri Lanka following the current events taking place in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry also urged Emiratis currently in Sri Lanka to exercise caution, to return back to the UAE, and to communicate with MoFAIC’s call centre at 0097180044444.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a cable of condolences to Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on the victims of the horrible terrorist explosions that hit churches and hotels in the capital Colombo, said Wam.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar cables of condolences to the Sri Lankan President.

MBR Tweet

In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Terrorists are those who betray worshippers in their places of worship, plant fear in their hearts and try to ignite religious conflicts in societies. Our condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, to the world and to everyone who works tirelessly towards tolerance and coexistence.”

At least 290 people were killed and hundreds more injured in six explosions in Sri Lanka yesterday, local media reported.

One of the attacked churches

The Sri Lankan Police said that the explosions targeted 5-stars hotels and churches in Colombo. A large pipe bomb is reported to have been found near the airport in Colombo.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned the terrorist bombings that targeted churches and hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

MoFAIC said that the UAE affirmed its firm stance against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, targeting all without distinction between religion and race.

The statement added the UAE stands in solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka in their fight against violence and extremism, calling upon the international community to close ranks and uproot the scourge of terrorism in order to ensure international peace and security.

UAE has expressed condolences to the government of Sri Lanka and to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery for the injured.