Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated the items sent as cargo to Sri Lanka must be essential items which are not available in Sri Lanka. The foreign ministry made the statement while revealing the policy of sending items to Sri Lanka via the weekly cargo flights of the national airline, Maldivian, which will travel between Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The ministry said the arrangement to send items to Sri Lanka was made to ease the burden on Maldivians living in Sri Lanka who are facing difficulties in acquiring essential items due to the declaration of curfew across the country following the outbreak of COVID-19. The ministry said the items sent via the cargo flight must be essential items which are not available in Sri Lanka.
The foreign ministry published a list of items which can be sent via the cargo flight. The items in the list includes prescription medicine, tuna cans, noodles, fish paste packed in original packing and packets of dried fish or other food items. Meanwhile, items such as vegetables or cash are not allowed to be sent. The ministry also stated the weight of the items sent to one family cannot exceed 15 kilograms.
The foreign ministry further stated those who wish to send an item to a Maldivian living in Sri Lanka must submit the application form through the ministry's website, adding the confirmation of approval will be emailed to the applicant. The ministry said the items must be brought to the check-in office of Maldivian in the Greater Male' Bus Terminal every Saturday from 0900hrs to 1300hrs.
The foreign ministry stated the items will be handed over to the High Commission of Maldives in Sri Lanka.