Government spent MVR four million on Malé independence day celebrations, none on atolls
Minister Heena Waleed has revealed that while 4.1 million MVR was spent on Independence Day festivities in Male', no expenditure was incurred for the atolls as no official activities were conducted there. Responding to a parliamentary inquiry, the Minister confirmed that the government did not organize any events across the atolls, a move that has drawn sharp criticism and allegations of regional discrimination against residents living outside the capital.
Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed summoned to Parliament. | Majlis
While the government spent MVR four million on Independence Day celebrations in Malé, it has been revealed that not a single Rufiyaa was allocated for festivities in the outlying atolls.
This was revealed during Wednesday's People's Majlis sitting, where the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed, was summoned for questioning. Minister Heena was brought before the parliament to respond to an inquiry submitted by the Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim.
The question posed by Member Mohamed Ibrahim seeks clarification regarding the total expenditure and a detailed breakdown of the costs incurred by the Ministry for the activities held last year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence.
Responding to the question, the Minister stated that a total of 4.1 million Rufiyaa was spent on Independence Day activities. The Minister further noted that the government did not conduct any events in the atolls, with all activities being centered in Malé.
The Minister stated that since the government did not organize any official activities in the atolls, no expenses were incurred for Independence Day celebrations across the islands.
The total expenditure for Independence Day activities amounted to 4.1 million Rufiyaa. As the government did not conduct any official events across the atolls, no expenses were incurred for Independence Day celebrations outside of Malé.Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed
The Minister’s remarks highlight the government’s neglect of residents in the atolls, further reinforcing concerns over a discriminatory policy that favors the capital, Malé, over the rest of the country.
