MVR 12 million raised via telethon delivered to Sri Lankan government

The USD 834,843 (over MVR 12 million) raised through the 'Maldivians with Ceylon' telethon organized by State media PSM in collaboration with several other media outlets has been handed over to the Sri Lankan government today. 

The funds raised through the 29-hour telethon was officially handed over today by Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad. 

In addition to the funds raised through the telethon, the Maldives government has also donated USD 50,000 and 25,000 cases of canned tuna towards Sri Lanka's relief efforts. 

The largest donation during the telethon was made by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service, totaling over MVR 3 million. 

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended thanks to the people of Maldives for the assistance provided as Sri Lanka works to recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. He said the close relationship between Maldivians and Sri Lankans brings joy and reflects the strength of the bond between the two countries.  

In addition to the government donation and the telethon, several leading businesses in the Maldives have also made significant donations via the Sri Lankan embassy in the Maldives. Other fundraising events continue to be held. 

The death toll from landslides and flooding resulting from Cyclone Ditwah has crossed 400 in Sri Lanka. Several hundred others remain unaccounted for. This is the most devastating natural disaster the country has faced since the 2004 tsunami.