Councils need permission to meet foreign diplomats, says LGA

Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced that councillors require a special permission from the home ministry, to meet members or diplomats of foreign nations and organizations.

In a circular released on Monday, LGA said since local councils are a layer of the government, the consequences of their actions affect the government as well.

LGA said that if local councils hold discussions with foreign organizations, it would disrupt the principles of the unitary state, harm the civil and foreign policies, and jeopardize the agreements that Maldives has made with foreign organizations.

Therefore, local councils should notify LGA of any meetings with foreign organizations via a written statement, which will be sent to the home ministry, said the authority.

LGA warned that those who do not seek permission will be penalized.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner has been touring the atolls and meeting local councils.