Sri Lankan police have intimidated several Maldivians residing in the country ahead of President Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit.
The Sri Lankan police forced some Maldivians to sign documents written in Sinhala. These documents contained an agreement stating that the individuals would not attend any venues where Muizzu is scheduled to meet with the Maldivian community.
"These are people who speak out because Sosun Villa [the Maldivian Educational and Cultural Centre in Colombo] is generally managed poorly without proper procedures, and because the Embassy fails to provide necessary services to the community," a Maldivian resident told Channel 13.
Some people have also alleged that Sri Lankan police entered their homes without court orders. They claimed that the police conducted searches of their premises during these visits.
Muizzu is scheduled to meet with the Maldivian community today at 5:15 pm at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo.
The initial invitation sent by the Maldivian Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that it was an invitation to an embassy event. However, following public complaints, it was later clarified that the event was a gathering with Muizzu.
The President arrived in Sri Lanka last Sunday and is expected to return later today. During his visit, the two countries signed seven key agreements.
