The Public Service Media (PSM) has formally handed over MVR 12 million (USD 800,352) raised through the nationwide Ceylon Aa Eku Dhiveheen telethon to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, earmarked for humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The cheque was presented to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel by Abdulla Yameen, Deputy Managing Director of Public Service Media (PSM).

In his remarks, Minister Dr Khaleel thanked the 37 media outlets that took part in organising the 29-hour telethon and praised the overwhelming generosity of the Maldivian public. He noted that the Maldives was among the first countries to respond to Sri Lanka’s appeal for support, reflecting the close, historic friendship between the two nations.

The Minister also confirmed that the contributions from the telethon will be officially handed over to the Sri Lankan Government later today.

According to the Foreign Ministry, total humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka from telethon proceeds, private-sector donations, and other contributions has now exceeded USD 2.3 million.

A breakdown of the telethon contributions, as audited by Crowe Maldives, shows that MVR 8,797,476.40 and USD 50,513.31 were received through bank deposits. Donation boxes placed at 15 locations collected MVR 265,703.44, USD 575 and EUR 20. In addition, cheques and pledged commitments amounted to MVR 2,490,111.26. In total, the telethon raised MVR 11,553,291.10, USD 51,088.31 and EUR 20.

Crowe Maldives, which audited the telethon, confirmed that PSM adhered to all required transparency and financial management standards.

The telethon received significant support from Government institutions, SOEs, private businesses and the public. The Maldives Police Service was the single largest contributor, donating MVR 2.4 million, while the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) contributed MVR 1 million.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread flooding, displacement and destruction across Sri Lanka since late October, prompting urgent appeals for international assistance.