A State Trading Organisation (STO) vessel carrying 25,000 cases of canned tuna has departed for Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. STO confirmed on social media that the vessel, loaded with 14 containers, left Malé at 12:30 a.m. last night.

The Maldivian Government earlier announced a donation of 25,000 cases of canned tuna and USD 50,000 to support Sri Lanka, which has suffered extensive damage from the cyclone. The financial contribution has since been handed over to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs by the Maldivian Ambassador, Masood Imad.

The Government described the assistance as a reflection of the longstanding friendship between the two nations and affirmed its solidarity with the Sri Lankan people during this challenging period.

Additional support has been mobilised through the “Ceylon Aa Eku Dhiveheen” telethon, which raised MVR 12.3 million with contributions from businesses, organisations, and individuals nationwide.

Sri Lankan authorities report that 22 islands have been affected by the cyclone, with at least 465 fatalities recorded in what is considered the country’s worst natural disaster since the tsunami.