25,000 tuna can cases handed over to Sri Lanka

The 25,000 cases of canned tuna being donated to Sri Lanka by the Maldivian government as part of aid to overcome the devastating effects of Cyclone Ditwah has been handed over today. 

Maldives State Shipping's vessel Galena travelled to Sri Lanka with 14 containers carrying the 25,000 tuna can cases. In a ceremony held today, the cases were officially handed over to Sri Lankan officials by Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad. 

Previously, the government also donated USD 50,000 towards Sri Lanka's relief efforts. This was handed over to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath by High Commissioner Masood in a ceremony held at Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry. 

 In addition to the USD 50,000 and 25,000 cases of tuna cans (1.2 million tuna cans) donated by the Maldives' government, state media PSM, in collaboration with several other media outlets, raised USD 800,352 (MVR 12.3 million) for the cause. These funds have also been handed over to the Maldives Foreign Ministry to deliver to Sri Lanka. 

Several major local businesses also made significant donations through the Sri Lankan embassy in Maldives. Other fundraising activities continue to be held. 

The death toll in Sri Lanka from landslides and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah has crossed 400. Hundreds of people have also been confirmed missing. Cyclone Ditwah is the most devastating natural disaster the country has faced since the 2004 tsunami.