The State Trading Organisation (STO) vessel carrying 25,000 cases of canned tuna donated to Sri Lanka has arrived at Colombo Port this morning, delivering of humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The shipment, transported in 14 containers aboard the Maldives State Shipping’s vessel, is part of the Maldives Government’s relief package, which includes a donation of 25,000 cases of canned tuna and USD 50,000. The vessel departed Malé earlier this week, according to the State Trading Organisation (STO).

MSS confirmed to State media that the vessel reached Sri Lanka last night and docked this morning. The Maldivian Embassy in Colombo is set to formally hand over the consignment later today.

The Maldivian Government said the donation reflects the long-standing friendship between the two countries and reaffirms solidarity with the Sri Lankan people following one of the nation’s worst natural disasters since the 2004 tsunami. Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive destruction across 22 islands, resulting in at least 479 reported deaths, 350 people missing, and more than 1.2 million affected.

In addition to the tuna shipment and direct financial aid, nationwide support was mobilised through the “Ceylon Aa Eku Dhiveheen” telethon, which raised USD 800,000 with contributions from individuals, companies, SOEs, and community organisations.