The Maldives has announced that it will provide USD 50,000 in financial assistance and 25,000 cases of tuna cans to Sri Lanka, following the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The decision, made on behalf of the Maldivian people, aims to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts amid severe flooding and humanitarian needs.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the assistance was extended as a gesture of solidarity with a close neighbour facing one of its most serious weather-related disasters in recent years. The ministry described the donation as a reflection of the longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Cyclone Ditwah has triggered extreme rainfall across Sri Lanka, with the country recording 300 millimetres of rain in just two days, the highest amount seen within such a short period. The disaster has claimed at least 69 lives, while more than 219,000 people have been affected by severe flooding and landslides. Sri Lanka’s Meteorological Service has issued a red alert, marking the first time such a warning has been declared.