Addu City Council: Fireworks display cancelled by MNDF at the last minute due to political influence
The Addu City Council has expressed deep concern after SIFCO canceled a scheduled fireworks display at the last minute during the inauguration of Hithadhoo Central Park. While officials cited technical issues for the cancellation, several councilors alleged political interference, characterizing the move as a deliberate attempt by the government to obstruct a public celebration.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) conducts firework displays for various ceremonies as a commercial service.
The fireworks display scheduled for the opening ceremony of Hithadhoo Central Park in Addu City has been canceled at the last minute, despite all arrangements being finalized.
The fireworks display to mark the opening of the park developed by the Addu City Council was scheduled to take place on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
Expressing concern over the last-minute cancellation of the fireworks display, Addu City Deputy Mayor Mohamed Shuau stated that Sifco, the military’s commercial wing, notified the council via email at 5:30 p.m. on March 20, 2026. He noted that the company attributed the cancellation to a technical issue.
However, he noted that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had completed all necessary preparations for the fireworks display, with the setup finalized around 3:30 p.m. on Friday. He further stated that when officials from the MNDF's Addu division were contacted regarding the cancellation, they claimed to have been unaware that the event had been called off.
Furthermore, Ibrahim Shinaz, the council member for the Hithadhoo Korovau constituency, stated that the fireworks display was canceled due to political influence. He remarked that this incident alone demonstrates the extent to which political interference has permeated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He further described the cancellation as a highly uncivilized act orchestrated by certain short-sighted political figures in Addu.
Shinaz stated that the decision to open the park and host a fireworks display to coincide with Eid al-Fitr was made for the enjoyment of the people of Addu; however, he noted that the current administration has obstructed those celebrations.
The council awarded the contract for the development of Hithadhoo Central Park to a private party in 2024.
The council reported that more than 2,000 people, including many children, attended the grand opening ceremony of the park on Friday night.
