The nationwide telethon Ceylon aa eku Dhivehin (Maldivians for Ceylon) has raised MVR 5.2 million and USD 41,869.96 by Monday afternoon, as Maldivians continue to extend support to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.
According to organisers, contributions poured in from government offices, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and individual citizens throughout the day. Among the contributors were staff of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, who joined the nationwide effort to support communities affected across Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan authorities on Sunday confirmed that the death toll from the cyclone has climbed to 212, with 218 people still missing. Heavy floods and landslides have devastated multiple districts, forcing nearly 200,000 people into 1,275 shelters, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre. Nearly one million people have been affected across the island.
Billions Required for Recovery
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry reports that the country requires Rs. 31 billion as of November 28 to restore agriculture, irrigation tanks, and damaged canals following the destruction caused by widespread flooding.
The government has sought international assistance, requesting:
- Rs. 15 billion for restoring flooded paddy lands and vegetable farms
- Rs. 4.8 billion for rehabilitating minor irrigation tanks
- Rs. 900 million for repairing anicuts
- Rs. 8.3 billion for minor irrigation systems
- Rs. 1.8 billion for damaged irrigation canals
Authorities estimate that 510,000 hectares of paddy fields have been washed away. To re-cultivate the damaged lands, the government is seeking donations of fertiliser, including 112,000 metric tons of Urea, 30,000 metric tons of MOP, and 30,000 metric tons of TOP.
Sri Lanka’s irrigation network continues to face new risks, with the breach of the Mavil Aru dam wall in the Eastern Province marking the latest reported damage.
Maldives Becomes First to Respond
The Maldives was the first country to respond to the emergency appeal issued by Sri Lanka. The Maldivian government has announced a relief contribution of USD 50,000 along with 25,000 cases of canned tuna.
Officials stated the donation is provided on behalf of the Maldivian people, emphasising the Maldives’ commitment to supporting a long-standing neighbour and close partner. The assistance is aimed at meeting immediate relief needs and supporting recovery efforts for thousands of Sri Lankans affected by Cyclone Ditwah. (Source: Srilanka media and Maldives government sources).
