The Maldives Customs Service has donated USD 8,803.11 to relief efforts in Sri Lanka, following the destruction caused last month by Cyclone Ditwah.
Deputy Commissioners Ibrahim Mafaz and Mahmood Riyaz presented the funds to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, during a ceremony at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malé. The contribution reflects an institutional gesture of solidarity and complements a broader national initiative led by Public Service Media, which united 37 media outlets in a special telethon to support the neighbouring country.
The campaign drew wide participation from government ministries, private corporations, and citizens. To facilitate donations, organisers opened a dedicated account with the Bank of Maldives and placed collection boxes in Malé, Hulhumalé, and Villimalé. Independent audit firm Crowe Maldives oversaw the process to ensure transparency in the handling of funds.
The initiative, titled ‘Ceylon aaeku Dhivehin’, raised USD 800,000 in total to assist Sri Lanka during this critical period. The scale of support underscores the enduring diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations, reinforced by the fact that Sri Lanka hosts one of the largest Maldivian communities abroad.