Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has hailed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldives for delivering decisive and compassionate support as Sri Lanka battles the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. His message has reinforced the Maldives’ standing as a reliable first responder and a loyal neighbour during moments of crisis.
I am grateful to President @MMuizzu for his kind message and for the generous support extended by the Maldives to Sri Lanka. The solidarity demonstrated by our neighbour has been deeply reassuring to our people and reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship.
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 3, 2025
In a social media post on Tuesday, President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to President Muizzu for his kind message and the timely assistance mobilised by the Maldivian government. He said the solidarity shown by the Maldives has provided comfort to the Sri Lankan people and reflects the strength of the two countries’ long held relationship.
Under President Muizzu’s directive, the Government of Maldives has taken swift action by dispatching 25,000 cases of canned tuna as immediate food relief and extending USD 50,000 in financial assistance. The aid shipment, arranged through Maldives State Shipping, forms a core component of the country’s emergency support package for Sri Lanka.
National unity around the crisis further intensified through the telethon campaign, Maldivians With Ceylon, which brought together citizens, state companies, and private businesses. The telethon collected approximately LKR 230.9 million, positioning it among the largest humanitarian fundraising efforts ever mobilised by the Maldivian public for a neighbouring nation. The contributions will support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the hardest hit districts.
With direct government aid, nationwide fundraising, and corporate support unfolding in parallel, the Maldives has emerged as one of the most active and impactful contributors to Sri Lanka’s relief operations. President Dissanayake’s acknowledgement highlights the growing diplomatic warmth between the two neighbours and the decisive leadership shown by President Muizzu throughout the crisis.
As Sri Lanka continues to recover from the widespread devastation, the Maldives remains firmly at the forefront of regional solidarity, reaffirming its role as a compassionate partner and a true friend in the Indian Ocean.
