While government chartered cargo flights are to carry care packages to Maldivian families in Sri Lanka, these flights will operate will Sunday.
Maldivian authorities are operating chartered cargo flights to countries under lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to bring in goods such as perishable food, medicines as well as fruits and vegetables.
The foreign ministry said that families of Maldivians in Sri Lanka can send in care packages via these flights, adding that slots will be given “on a first come, first served basis”. Those that wish to send packages are to submit a form via the ministry website, and each family can send a maximum of 15kg.
In a tweet sent out on Monday, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said that he hopes that this "could provide some temporary relief to families in Sri Lanka".
The ministry also gave out a list of items that are acceptable:
- Prescription medicine
- Tuna cans (case)
- Noodles case
- Rihaakuru (MIFCO or ENZI)
- Fish packets/Fried leaves packets (from shops)
Unacceptable:
- Money
- Raw fish
- Cake
- Shorteats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
The items have to be submitted to the Checking Office at the Greater Male’ Bus Station, every Saturday between 9am to 1pm.
Authorities have revealed that there are over 7,500 Maldivians registered abroad currently.
National airline, Maldivian said that they are working with the government "on providing ways for the families to send much needed care packages" to provide some to the Maldivians in Sri Lanka.
