Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, has praised the Maldives for its strong show of solidarity following the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah, describing it as a defining moment in the friendship between the two nations.
Speaking during the national telethon held to raise funds for affected Sri Lankan communities, Ambassador Rizvi expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of the Maldives. He said the nationwide fundraising effort reflects the close and longstanding ties between the countries.
The ambassador said he had never witnessed a telethon of this scale and was moved to tears by the overwhelming support being shown by Maldivians. He added that the true significance of the event lies not in the amount collected, but in the compassion and unity demonstrated during Sri Lanka’s time of crisis.
Rizvi assured that all assistance will be used responsibly, channelled into essential recovery work such as road repairs, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and restoring agricultural land.
He said tragedies often reveal the strength of bilateral relations, and the compassion displayed by Maldivians has reaffirmed that the Maldives will continue to stand with Sri Lanka. The ambassador expressed confidence that the friendship between the two nations will only grow stronger in the years ahead.