Following the conclusion of his two-day official visit to Rinbudhoo Island, Dhaalu atoll, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has returned to capital city Malé on Thursday morning.

The president visited the island to attend a function held to mark the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Rinbudhoo School, during which the president addressed the island community, highlighting that the government’s education policy mainly revolves around the purpose of shaping future generations of skilled, innovative and responsible citizens who are beneficial to the country.

The president also inaugurated the “Cultural Road” initiative, a road encompassing creative artwork featuring heritage, folklore and local talent of the island, a well-known home to some of the most famous and skilled goldsmiths in the nation as well.

The island council noted that the initiative was a strategy to promote local tourism in the island. The artwork was created with generous assistance from members of the Maldivian Artists Community (MAC).

During the event, certificates of appreciation were handed to the artists who contributed to the initiative.

As part of his visit, Solih also launched an awareness programme for new parents, their newborns and expecting mothers which is mainly focused on improving their health and wellbeing. The 'Mariyam-Maa' campaign includes financial assistance that expecting mothers direly need. The president also distributed fruit baskets to initiate the program.

He was presented with a commemorative gift during the event.

Further, discussions centered around development visions and concerns of the island community were held with Rinbudhoo councilors and institutional representatives, during a meeting at the council secretariat.

During the meeting, councilors briefed the president regarding difficulties surfacing due to housing, many of the island’s residents had to be relocated to Thulusdhoo island after the tragic Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004.

Councilors went on to request for the initiation of a water and sewerage project and highlighted that the ongoing harbor development will provide a solution for hindrances facing the community.

The meeting also saw deliberations to enhance services extended by government institutions stationed on the island. Issues raised include lack of laboratory services at Rinbudhoo health center as well as space restrictions at the island’s school and FENAKA branch.

Having listened to their concerns, the president assured that discussions will be sped up with relevant authorities and stakeholders in order to tackle the issues at hand.

Prior to concluding his visit, Solih also inaugurated a Futsal Field developed on the island, on Thursday morning.