Home
News
MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ provides key information on how the MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund works and how your contributions help support relief efforts in Sri Lanka.

1. What is the MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund?

The MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund is an 8-day emergency fundraising effort launched by the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) to support the response and recovery efforts of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) following the humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

2. How will the funds raised be used?

All funds aside from unavoidable bank transfer costs will be entirely remitted to SLRCS. These funds will support critical and timely humanitarian assistance including:

  • First Aid and emergency medical services
  • Distribution of essential relief items (drinking water, staple foods, hygiene items, clothing)
  • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions
  • Rapid community needs assessments
  • Strengthening search and rescue operations (with over 228 people still missing)
  • SLRCS will directly manage and utilize the funds according to identified needs on the ground.

3. How will the funds be transferred to Sri Lanka?

MRC will transfer the funds to SLRCS through coordinated support from local banks, businesses, and the IFRC network. USD donations are encouraged to expedite the first tranche of financial assistance.

4. Does MRC take any administrative fee from the donations?

No. MRC will not deduct any administrative or overhead fees from public donations.The only deductions, if any will be standard bank transfer charges, which will be communicated transparently.

5. Why is support urgently needed for Sri Lanka?

Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe devastation:

  • Over 540 mm of rainfall in some district
  • Major flooding along river basins
  • 41 homes destroyed and 666 damaged
  • A state of emergency declared nationwide
  • Over 12 million people affected across 9 provinces

 

SLRCS has identified urgent needs for:

  • Mobile medical teams
  • Emergency relief supplies
  • Psychosocial support
  • Disease prevention and surveillance (e.g., dengue, waterborne illnesses)

6. How is Sri Lankan Red Cross Society responding to the crisis?

SLRCS has deployed more than 3,500 volunteers who are:

  • Supporting evacuations
  • Conducting search and rescue operations
  • Providing First Aid and Psychosocial Support Services
  • Distributing essential household items
  • Leading initial assessments to guide response planning

They continue to face challenges including road closures, damaged infrastructure, communication outages, and restricted access to remote areas.

8. Why should I donate through MRC?

Donating through MRC ensures:

  • Funds are transferred directly and transparently to SLRCS
  • Compliance with Red Cross Red Crescent financial accountability standards
  • Assistance reaches affected communities swiftly and responsibly
  • Donors benefit from structured reporting and updates through MRC

MRC also coordinates closely with IFRC and SLRCS to ensure funds are used where needs are greatest.

9. Can I donate after the 8-day window?

At present, the fund is open from 1–8 December 2025. Any extension will depend on the evolving situation in Sri Lanka and public requests. MRC will update donors through its website and official social media channels

10. Where can I follow updates?

MRC will publish updates through:

MRC official website - www.redcrescent.org.mv 

MRC social media channels - @maldivianrc

IFRC and SLRCS situation updates - www.redcross.lk

MRC remains in active coordination with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and the IFRC Asia Pacific Office as the crisis develops