The Government of Maldives has officially handed over USD 834,843.98 in funds raised through a nationwide telethon to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from Cyclone Ditwah.

The contribution was presented on behalf of the Government and the Maldivian people by High Commissioner Masood Imad, who handed the funds to Sri Lankan authorities on Friday. The amount represents public donations collected through the Ceylon Aa Eku Dhiveheen telethon led by Maldivian media outlets.

In addition to the financial contribution, the Government has donated 25,000 cases of canned tuna worth USD 1,232,166.02 as well as USD 50,000. The shipment, transported in 14 containers aboard a Maldives State Shipping vessel, arrived at Colombo Port earlier and was formally handed over to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre.

In a post on X, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel stated that the Maldives stands in full solidarity with Sri Lanka during this period of hardship, emphasising the longstanding friendship between the two countries and reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to assisting its closest neighbours.

Expressions of gratitude have also come from the Sri Lankan community in the Maldives. Sri Lankan residents in Malé held a peaceful rally outside the Malé City Council, carrying placards thanking the Maldivian people and Government for standing with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

Cyclone Ditwah has been described by Sri Lankan officials as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country since the 2004 tsunami, which has resulted in at least 479 deaths, 350 people reported missing, and more than 1.2 million affected across the country.