Emergency motion seeking aid to Maldivians in Sri Lanka rejected

An emergency motion submitted to the Parliament on Monday morning seeking government assistance to Maldivians residing in neighboring Sri Lanka - which is in midst of economic and political crisis - has been rejected.

The motion, submitted by PNC deputy leader, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef Umar, called on the government to closely monitor the situation of Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka and provide them with assistance.

Adam Shareef said Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka were facing numerous hardships due to the economic crisis and shortages of food, fuel and medicines.

“As a result of the escalation of the situation in Sri Lanka, Maldivians living there are also facing difficulties in accessing food, and because of the power cuts, are facing difficulties in storing the few foods they are able to get in the refrigerator, and are facing numerous more hardships and suffering,” he said.

Adam Shareef said the Maldivians were spending Ramadan under difficult circumstances.

He called on the government to monitor the situation of Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka individually.

“I submit this emergency motion under Article 170, calling on the government to provide financial and humanitarian assistance to Maldivians living in Sri Lanka as soon as possible, ascertain the safety of Maldivians, and take immediate action to protect the rights of the Maldivian people,” said Adam Shareef, presenting his motion.

55 parliamentarians took part in the vote on the motion. 11 voted in favor of accepting the bill, while 44 voted to reject the bill.