The Foreign Ministry said it is monitoring the situation in central Seoul closely where over 150 people were killed on Saturday and some 100 were injured in a stampede, when thousands crowded into narrow streets to celebrate Halloween.  

 While expressing deep condolence to over 150 victims including a Sri Lankan, the ministry wished a speedy recovery to all affected.   Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also extended his deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, especially the families of the deceased, and he wished the injured a speedy recovery.  
Seoul authorities say that 20 foreign nationals died in last night’s crush.  

This year’s Halloween is the first celebration of the event since the pandemic broke out in 2020 at which South Koreans have not been mandated to wear face masks outdoors.