Maldives Leads Global Aid to Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Recovery

The Maldives has emerged as the largest donor to Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lanka has received a total of USD 6.5 million in aid, with USD 2.4 million contributed by the Maldives. The Maldivian government donated USD 50,000, while the 'Ceylon aaeku Dhivehin' telethon, organized by Public Service Media (PSM) and other media outlets, raised USD 800,000. Additionally, private businesses and the public in the Maldives contributed significantly. The United States pledged USD 2 million in emergency aid, and China contributed USD 1.1 million. The cyclone, which struck Sri Lanka on November 27, affected 1.1 million people, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and over 360 missing persons.