Maldives' MVR 12 million donation to Sri Lanka to be handed over today

The USD 800,352 (MVR 12.3 million) raised for Cyclone Ditwah affected Sri Lanka through PSM's 'Maldivian with Ceylon' telethon has been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. 

The 29-hour telethon was led by State media PSM in collaboration with several other media outlets. 

Funds raised through the telethon were handed over to the Foreign Ministry in a special ceremony held at PSM today. Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel accepted the symbolic cheque.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Khaleel stated that such a large scale telethon held through the collaboration of such a high number of media outlets demonstrate many things, key amongst which is the close relationship between the people of Sri Lanka and Maldives. 

Minister Khaleel said that the aid efforts led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu show that Maldives is always ready to help neighbours in need. 

"It has always been said that although a small nation, Maldives will be the first to stand up to help, especially when it comes to our neighbours. President Muizzu has clearly proven this here," the Minister said. 

The largest donations at the telethon was made by MNDF and Police, coming to over MVR 3 million. 

Several leading businesses in Maldives also made significant donations. The government of Maldives also pledged aid of USD 50,000 (MVR 770,000) and 25,000 cases of canned tuna. 

The death toll from floods and landslides resulting from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has crossed 300, with hundreds still remaining unaccounted for. This is the most major natural disaster in Sri Lanka since the 2004 tsunami. 

Last Saturday, a State of Emergency was declared in Sri Lanka. Authorities are working on rescuing and providing aid to those affected by the storm. Several countries are providing assistance to Sri Lanka in this time of need.