Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Maldives’ unwavering support in the aftermath of the devastating flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He described the Maldivian response as a powerful demonstration of solidarity during one of Sri Lanka’s most challenging moments in recent years.
Speaking about the nationwide “Maldivians with Ceylon” fundraising initiative, the High Commissioner said the compassion shown by Maldivians marks a defining moment in the enduring friendship between the two nations. He added that the generosity displayed during this crisis reaffirms that the Maldives will continue to stand by Sri Lanka in times of need.
More than USD 800,000 raised through the telethon has now been formally handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward delivery to the Sri Lankan government. The fundraising programme—launched by Public Service Media (PSM) in partnership with 37 media outlets—ran from Sunday morning until Monday afternoon, bringing in MVR 11,553,291.10, USD 51,088.31, and EUR 20.
At an official handover ceremony, PSM Deputy Managing Director Abdulla Yameen presented the total proceeds to Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, who accepted the contribution on behalf of the Maldivian government. The funds will be transferred to the Sri Lankan government as a gift from the people of the Maldives.
According to the Telethon Steering Committee, the campaign drew overwhelming nationwide participation from members of the public, state institutions, private businesses, associations, clubs, and numerous media organisations. Donation boxes were placed across Malé, while bank transfers were made available to ensure convenience and accessibility for donors. Independent audit firm Crowe Maldives supported the initiative to ensure full transparency throughout the process.
The Maldives Police Service made the largest single contribution with MVR 2.4 million, while several other major entities—including the International Aid Campaign—provided substantial financial support.
During the handover, Minister Khaleel emphasised that contributions poured in from across the country, underscoring the Maldivian people’s readiness to assist neighbouring nations in distress. He noted that under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldives was among the first countries to extend assistance, highlighting that although the Maldives is a small nation, it consistently stands at the forefront when neighbours are in need.
On Tuesday, the Maldivian government also handed over an additional USD 50,000 in cash assistance to support Sri Lanka’s immediate recovery efforts. This follows the government’s earlier announcement on 29 November that it would donate USD 50,000 and 25,000 cases of canned tuna to aid those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The financial contribution was delivered on 2 December by Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mas’ood Imad and received by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijatha Herath.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry stated that the gesture reflects the Maldives’ deep commitment to its close and longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka. The ministry expressed hope that the aid will contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s recovery and relief work.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, in a message shared on social media, conveyed profound gratitude to the people of the Maldives for their solidarity, describing the assistance as a reflection of the strong and enduring friendship between the two island nations.
