Maldivians in Sri Lanka donates goods to those in need

Maldivians in Sri Lanka have donated a large amount of goods within a day of them starting their relief efforts.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused substantial flooding and landslides, with the death toll going beyond 465 along with major damage to the nation.

In order to aid Sri Lanka, High Commission of Maldives in Sri Lanka employee Haleemath Shizna has told Mihaaru News that the effort that has been ongoing for two days has received a warm response.

"We began this effort at the request of Maldivians living in Sri Lanka. The effort will conclude at 8:00pm tonight. Even now, people are bringing in goods. It has been very well received," said Shizna.

As per Shizna, they are acquiring goods that will best serve various Sri Lankan agencies and the Sri Lanka Relief Fund. Agencies have released a list of the most important goods such as clothes, sanitary pads, children's products, milk powder, soap, tooth paste and food, with them being acquired.

"We have somewhat collected said goods within the last two days. We will know exactly how much when this effort ends tonight," said Shizna while stating that Sosun Villa will accept all donations.

Along with this effort, Shizna said that Maldivians are working in various regions to provide aid to Sri Lankans.

As per Shizna, Sri Lankan citizens have expressed a lot of gratitude due to the kindness and aid from Maldives.

"Citizens have expressed a lot of gratitude due to the ongoing aid from Maldives to Sri Lanka. Even strangers are messaging us thanking Maldivians," said Shizna.

Even though there was no flooding in the three cities with the highest density of Maldivians, some houses in Colombo where Maldivians reside were flooded, with four houses having to be vacated. The Embassy has also provided aid to pilot students in Negombo.

While Maldivians in Sri Lanka are aiding its citizens, the Maldivian government has decided to donate USD 50,000 and 25,000 tuna can cases (1.2 million tuna cans). A marine vessel from Maldives State Shipping, a subsidiary of STO, left for Sri Lanka last night with the tuna can cases.

The PSM-led telethon, named "Maldivians with Ceylon", along with other local media outlets to aid Sri Lanka in overcoming the damages they were dealt due to Cyclone Ditwah saw USD 800,352 (MVR 12.3 million) be donated, with the funds having been handed over to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The death toll from the flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka is now at 465, with 366 still unaccounted for.

The Sri Lankan government has stated that they need USD 7 billion in order to overcome the damages to houses, roads and industries.