Sri Lankans residing in the Maldives held a rally on Friday evening to express gratitude for the support rendered to their residents in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
The rally was held in front of Male’ City Council’s Public Services Offices located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu, from 17:00pm until sundown. Hundreds of Sri Lankans of all ages residing in the Maldives gathered in the area, including the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives Mohamed Rizvi.
Sri Lankans in Maldives hold rally to thank Maldivians for the support rendered following Cyclone Ditwah on December 5, 2025. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Iyad)
The participants of the rally held up Sri Lankan and Maldivian flags and banners with messages of gratitude, hailing the close ties between the two nations. 
Speaking to the press during the event, High Commissioner Rizvi described the support rendered by Maldivians as “historic” and “immense.” He added that it is a symbol of Maldivians’ solidarity with Sri Lankans.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Maldives Mohamed Rizvi during rally to thank Maldivians for the support rendered following Cyclone Ditwah on December 5, 2025. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Iyad)
Several Sri Lankan residents who spoke with Sun said the various fundraising initiatives for Sri Lanka in the Maldives as “profoundly touching.” They emphasized that the size of the country providing support is irrelevant; what truly matters is the sense of solidarity.
“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of Maldivians. This is a huge hope for families that have been impacted,” a Sri Lankan citizen said.
The Maldivian government has donated USD 50,000 to support Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Meanwhile, USD 800,000 raised via local media-led 'Ceylon aa eku Dhivehin' telethon held to raise funds to support neighbouring Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah was handed over Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Sri Lankans in Maldives hold rally to thank Maldivians for the support rendered following Cyclone Ditwah on December 5, 2025. (Sun Photo/Ahmed Iyad)
Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka last Wednesday, causing widespread damage and affecting 1.1 million people. The death toll from flooding and landslides brought on by heavy rainfall is approaching 500, with over 360 people still missing. Over 180,000 people have been displaced and moved to government-run shelters.