Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, has said the Maldives was the first country to respond to Sri Lanka’s request for assistance following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Speaking during the Ceylon Aaeku Dhiveheen fundairisng telethon, the ambassador said Sri Lankan authorities are continuing to assess the damage and relocate families displaced by flooding and landslides, adding that the immediate priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of communities affected by the cyclone. He expressed gratitude to the Government and people of the Maldives, noting the swift assistance extended under the direction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

He further highlighted the close, long-standing relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, describing the two nations as brotherly partners with deep people-to-people ties. He said Maldivians were among the earliest to extend help, reflecting the strength of the relationship.

The High Commissioner also stressed the importance of the Maldives and Sri Lanka working together on a shared climate agenda, noting that both countries are among the most vulnerable to severe weather events. He said coordinated action on the international stage is essential to raise global awareness of the risks faced by climate-exposed nations. The ambassador concluded his remarks by thanking the Maldivian public for their support.