Maldives contributes largest share of foreign aid to Sri Lanka following cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lankan media outlets are reporting that the country has received USD 6.5 million in foreign aid to recover from the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwa last week, with the Maldives providing the single largest contribution from a sovereign nation.

The cyclone caused immense damage, resulting in over 600 deaths and nearly 200 people missing, leaving hundreds of thousands in distress. Authorities have described it as the most damaging disaster the country has faced since the 2004 Tsunami.

The Maldives' total financial and in-kind contribution to Sri Lanka, encompassing government, telethon, and private donations, amounts to USD 2.4 million (MVR 37 million). This makes the Maldives the largest single donor nation reported so far.

The contributions include:

Sri Lankan media reports indicate that the country has received USD 6.5 million in foreign aid to recover from the recent cyclone. The Maldives has provided the largest contribution from a single nation, totaling USD 2.4 million (MVR 37 million), which includes funds donated by the Maldivian government, a national telethon, and private citizens.

Other major commitments include the United States pledging USD 2 million for reconstruction efforts. China contributed USD 1.1 million, which comprises USD 100,000 from the Chinese government and Red Cross to the Sri Lankan Red Cross, USD 32,500 gathered by Chinese businesses and an additional USD 1 million in emergency aids.

Furthermore, the United Kingdom provided € 675,000, and Australia donated USD 1 million.

The Sri Lankan government estimates that a total of USD 7 billion will be required to recover from the cyclone's extensive damage.