Maldives to donate USD 50,000 and canned fish to Sri Lanka

The Maldivian government has announced it will donate USD 50,000 and 25,000 cases of canned fish to assist Sri Lanka as the country recovers from devastating rains triggered by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the aid package will be given as humanitarian support for communities affected by flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka.

Foreign minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel said the donation reflected the close friendship between the two countries and the solidarity of the Maldivian people.

“Maldives hopes that this assistance will provide some relief to the people of Sri Lanka and support the efforts being made by the Sri Lankan government,” he said.

At least 69 people have been killed and 34 remain missing after the cyclone brought days of torrential rain across Sri Lanka.

The Maldivian High Commission in Colombo said no Maldivians in the country had been reported injured or missing so far.

A Maldivian family in Nuwara Eliya who were previously out of contact has now been reached and confirmed to be safe.

The High Commission has urged Maldivians in Sri Lanka to take precautions, avoid non-essential travel, stay away from flooded areas, and keep essential supplies, medicines and documents secure during heavy rain and strong winds.