Universal Enterprises donates USD 100,000 for Sri Lanka cyclone relief

Universal Enterprises Pvt Ltd, one of the Maldives’ leading luxury tourism service providers, has donated USD 100,000 to neighboring Sri Lanka to support recovery efforts following cyclone Ditwah.  

Maldives has provided the largest amount of aid to Sri Lanka in the wake of the disaster. Of the USD 6.5 million received from various countries, international agencies and private donors, Maldives contributed USD 2.4 million, surpassing the assistance pledged by both the United States and China.  

Sri Lankan newspapers reported the aid figures on Saturday, while on Sunday Universal Enterprises confirmed its donation. The company, which supports both tourism and education, also funds scholarships for higher education and provides assistance in other areas.  

The Sri Lankan High Commission in Maldives said in a post on Sunday that the Sri Lankan government “wishes to express sincere appreciation” to Universal Enterprises for its generosity during this hour of need.  

Notably, Sun Siyam Group pledged USD 200,000 to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from cyclone Ditwah, with the first installment of USD 75,000 handed over on 30 November.

Group founder Ahmed Siyam Mohamed personally presented the symbolic cheque to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Maldives. He has also issued special instructions to all Sun Siyam companies to actively engage in fundraising initiatives for Sri Lanka.

As part of this effort, fund boxes have been placed at the Sun Siyam head office and across the Group’s five resorts in Sri Lanka, Siyam World, Irufushi, Vilu Reef, Iruveli, and Olhuveli, as well as at the Sun Siyam Media office.

The campaign officially began on Monday, and donations are already being collected.

While the Maldivian government donated USD 50,000, the Ceylon aaeku Dhivehin telethon, initiated nationally by Public Service Media (PSM) in collaboration with many outlets, alone raised USD 800,000. In addition, Maldives has provided USD 2.4 million in aid from private businesses and the public.  

The United States is the second‑largest donor, providing USD 2 million in emergency aid, while China contributed USD 1.1 million. The Sri Lankan government estimates reconstruction will cost about USD 7 billion.  

It is noteworthy that Sri Lankans living in Maldives held a huge rally on Friday evening to thank Maldives for its assistance. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Maldives Mohamed Rizvi Hassen also attended the event. Many expressed gratitude with Sri Lankan and Maldivian flags and banners, saying Maldivians are very dear to them.  

In addition to cash aid, Maldives has handed over 25,000 cases of canned fish to Sri Lanka.