News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka on November 27 and left nearly 500 dead and more than 360 missing, the Maldives has emerged as the single largest donor to the island nation’s recovery efforts.
Sri Lanka has so far received $6.5 million in aid, of which $2.4 million came from the Maldives — a remarkable show of solidarity from its smaller neighbour. The contribution includes $50,000 from the Maldivian government, $800,000 raised through a nationwide telethon, and significant donations from private businesses and citizens.
The United States pledged $2 million, while China contributed $1.1 million, but it was the Maldives’ collective effort that stood out. In addition to financial aid, Maldivian authorities dispatched 25,000 cases of canned fish, underscoring the country’s commitment to practical relief.
Unlike the Maldives’ $2.4 million donation, India’s support has taken a different form, emphasizing operational and logistical assistance rather than direct monetary aid. New Delhi mobilized relief teams, dispatched medical facilities, and provided infrastructure restoration equipment, underscoring its capacity to act swiftly in times of regional crisis. This approach reflects India’s role as a “first responder” in South Asia, consistent with its long‑standing Neighbourhood First policy, which prioritizes immediate humanitarian engagement with neighbouring countries.
On Friday, Sri Lankans living in the Maldives organized a rally in Malé to express gratitude. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mohamed Rizvi Hassen attended, praising the Maldivian people for their generosity. “This is more than aid, it is a reminder of the deep friendship between our nations,” he said.
Maldivians themselves framed the effort as a moral duty.
Sri Lanka’s government estimates reconstruction will cost $7 billion, but the early wave of donations has provided hope. For many Sri Lankans, the Maldives’ outsized role in relief has become a symbol of regional solidarity and shared resilience in the face of disaster.
