Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel states Maldivians have raised over USD 2.4 million in donations for Sri Lanka to support its residents in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
USD 800,000 raised via local media-led 'Ceylon aa eku Dhivehin' telethon held to raise funds to support neighboring Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah was handed over Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Speaking at the handover ceremony after accepting the donations on behalf of the Maldivian government, Foreign Minister Khaleel said the substantial funds raised during the telethon reflect the strong bonds of brotherly ties between Maldivians and Sri Lankans. He added it is proof the Maldives will be ready assist any time a neighboring nation calls out for help.
Khaleel pointed out that Maldives was among the first nations to assist Sri Lanka.
“In addition to the TV telethon, private businesses are also raising funds for Sri Lanka. Thereby, the aid donated Maldivians in total for Sri Lankans would exceed USD 2.4 million,” he said.
Minister’s remarks comes after Sun Siyam Group pledged USD 200,000 to support Sri Lanka, donating USD 75,000 of the pledged amount, while Villa Group has donated USD 100,000.
A total of 18 donation boxes were placed across the greater Male’ area as part of a telethon.
The money donated to donation boxes was counted by Bank of Maldives (BML) and Crowe Maldives, appointed as the auditor for the telethon.
Significant contributions were also made by government agencies and organizations. Public participation was also strong, with thousands contributing through donation boxes and telethon pledges. 
The Maldives Police Service made the largest single donation of MVR 2.4 million, the highest donation by a single party 
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) contributed MVR 1 million  
Ruling People's National Congress (PNC)'s parliamentary group contributed MVR 300,000
·        Bank of Maldives (BML) contributed USD 25,000
The Maldivian government pledged USD 50,000 in direct aid and 25,000 cases of canned tuna as part of its official relief package 
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 400, with over 360 people still missing. Over 180,000 people have been displaced and moved to government-run shelters.