Maldives Telethon Raises Over USD 800K For Disaster-hit Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); An impressive USD 800,352 (MVR 12.3 million) was raised for Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts through the ‘Maldivian with Ceylon’ telethon, marking one of the largest humanitarian fundraising drives in recent memory.

The funds, collected during a 29-hour telethon led by state broadcaster PSM in collaboration with around 37 media outlets, were officially handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives.

The handover took place at a special ceremony at PSM headquarters, where Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel accepted the symbolic cheque.

The telethon saw MNDF and Police emerge as the largest donors, contributing over MVR 3 million.

Several leading businesses in Maldives also made significant contributions.

In addition, the Government of Maldives pledged USD 50,000 (MVR 770,000) and 25,000 cases of canned tuna as part of its relief package.

This collective effort underscores the spirit of regional solidarity and the determination to help Sri Lanka recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.