Maldives has denounced Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake’s remarks about Maldivians travelling to Syria through Colombo, reports Maldives Independent on May 20. The Sri Lankan Military General had stated that citizens from many countries travel through Sri Lanka to go fight in the Syrian civil war, the second highest of which were Maldivians. Miuvan Mohamed, Director General of Communications at the Foreign Ministry said Senanayake’s comments were “irresponsible” and could possibly be harmful to Maldivians living in the neighbouring country. Over the past five years, dozens of Maldivians joined militant groups fighting in Syria and Iraq. The authorities estimate the current figure at 69, excluding women and children.