2 Maldivians detained in Sri Lanka remanded to 13 days in custody

Sri Lanka has extended the remand period of two Maldivian citizens arrested in the major search operation underway in the country following the terror attack on April 21.

Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Umar Abdul Razzaq said the court extended the remand of two of the six Maldivian citizens arrested from Sri Lanka to until May 10, this Saturday.

The two Maldivian citizens were arrested from a residence in Nugegoda, a suburb of Colombo, within last week after officers found a book containing information on terror organization Islamic State (IS) during a search.

One of the citizens is the uncle of an international relations students, and the other was staying at the residence after travelling to the country for a medical purpose.

Ambassador Umar said the other four Maldivian citizens – who were arrested after officers found a rifle with an invalid gun license from their residence - are expected to be released from detention this coming Monday.

20 people were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan police in its search operation last Friday alone.

Sri Lanka previously announced the bombings were carried out by National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ). The attack has also been claimed by the IS.