The Sri Lankan government on Friday thanked the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) for the rescue of six Sri Lankan fishermen in two separate search and rescue operations this month.
“The government of Sri Lanka is very grateful to the government of the Maldives for the untiring efforts, prompt and timely coordination and decisions taken for the success of this rescue operation,” Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Maldives, Major General (Rtd.) Asoka Thoradeniya said at a press conference held Friday afternoon. “We are thankful for the personal effort put forward by the Minister of Defence and National Security of Maldives, Adam Shareef Umar for his prompt, proper and timely directions given.”
“I believe this successful humanitarian operation will further strengthen existing bilateral relations between our two countries. And also it will be a very good example and a big strength to the countries in the region,” he added.
The press conference held at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Male’ City followed Thursday’s rescue of four Sri Lankan fishermen from a disabled vessel 160 nautical miles off Makunudhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
On January 4, MNDF rescued two Sri Lankans from a fishing vessel in distress near Thuraakunu Island in Haa Alifu Atoll.
MNDF began searching for the vessels on the request of the Sri Lankan authorities.