Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 246

President congratulates national team on winning silver at 3rd SABA Women’s Basketball Championship

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated the women’s national basketball team on winning their first silver medal at the 3rd SABA Women’s Basketball Championship 2025, organised by the South Asia Basketball Association (SABA).

In a message on his official ‘X’ account, the President praised the team’s outstanding performance in the final against India.

India secured gold over Maldives with a score of 107-32 during the final match held in New Delhi, India, on 26 March. This silver medal is a historic first for the Maldivian women’s national basketball team, who previously secured bronze medals in 2016 and 2022.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President welcomes the women’s national basketball team

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef welcomed the women’s national basketball team upon arrival in Maldives after winning the silver medal for in the 3rd SABA Women’s Basketball Tournament organised by the South Asia Basketball Association (SABA).

The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdullah Rafiu, Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal, and Minister of State for Sports, Fitness and Recreation Mohamed Riyaz were also present with the Vice President at the Velana International Airport to welocme the players.

India secured gold over Maldives with a score of 107-32 during the final match held in New Delhi, India, on 26 March. This silver medal is a historic first for the Maldivian women’s national basketball team, who previously secured bronze medals in 2016 and 2022.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Minister of Foreign Affairs concludes his visit to Geneva after participating in the High-level segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, departed from Geneva, Switzerland today after participating in the High-level Segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council from 24-25 February 2025.

During his visit, Minister Dr. Khaleel delivered the Maldives’ national statement at the High-level General Debate of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council. In his statement, he reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to fulfilling Maldives’ international obligations and advancing the pursuit to promote and protect human rights.

In addition, he met with High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk and President of the Human Rights Council, Mr. Jürg Lauber, along with heads of delegations of Palestine, Qatar, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Serbia, Iceland and Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the session. He also met with the Director General of WIPO.

Minister Dr. Khaleel participated as a panellist in three side events in the margins of the session. These events include a panel discussion organised by the Permanent Mission of the Maldives on advancing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a discussion organised by the Permanent Mission of Estonia on Internet shutdowns and the role of the Freedom Online Coalition, and a side event organised by the Permanent Mission of Slovenia on Advancing Equality through Multilateralism.

The Maldives is currently a Member of the Human Rights Council. This is the third time the Maldives is serving on the Human Rights Council and during its time as a Member, the Maldives has been active in making significant contributions to the Council’s work.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Schools celebrate end of academic year; students begin holidays

The 2024-2025 academic year concluded Thursday with students across Malé and the outer atolls receiving their final report cards and embarking on their year-end holidays. Beginning on 26 May 2024, the academic year officially came to a close today. 

Schools across the country marked this occasion with vibrant ceremonies where report cards were distributed. This year’s end-of-year holiday uniquely coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, adding a special dimension to the celebrations. 

Recent administrative revisions to the academic calendar set the new academic year to commence on 7 April. According to the Ministry of Education’s calendar, the first-term holiday is scheduled to begin on 24 July, followed by the start of the second term on 10 August. The academic year will then conclude on 28 December. 

Traditionally, the academic year commenced in January. However, changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic led to school closures and subsequent schedule adjustments. By 2021, the administration had moved the start of the academic year to August, leading to school holidays in June and July. These months typically bring rains due to the southwest monsoon, complicating travel to the islands and creating challenges for students, parents, and guardians during the holidays. 

During the 2023 presidential campaign, concerns about the timing of school holidays were brought to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s attention. In response, President Dr Muizzu announced a return to the traditional January start date for the academic year, ensuring that school holidays would once again fall in December. This decision was communicated within the first 100 days of his tenure. 

Consequently, the academic year is now scheduled to begin in January 2026. The upcoming school holidays will extend from 28 December 2025 to 27 January 2026, aligning with the December holiday period as previously practised. 

SOURCE : PSM 

President Dr Muizzu conveys Independence Day greetings to the President of the Dominican Republic 

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conveyed greetings and good wishes of the Government and the people of the Maldives to President His Excellency Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, the Government and the people of the Dominican Republic on the occasion of their Independence Day. 

In his message, President Dr Muizzu also extended his personal best wishes for the Dominican President’s good health and happiness, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Dominican Republic. 

The Dominican Republic marks the country gaining independence in 1844. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Dominican Republic 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel sends a message of felicitations to the Minister Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez Gil, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Dominican Republic. 

Minister’s message reads as follows: 

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Maldives, and on my own behalf, I extend warm felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of Dominican Republic, as you celebrate your Independence Day. 

As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), I am certain that the relationship between our nations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead, particularly on matters of mutual interest. 

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration” 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

First day of Ramadan to mark start of zakat al-Fitr collection 

The Maldives Zakat House has announced that the collection of Zakat al-Fitr will commence on the first day of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory almsgiving for every able Muslim before the conclusion of Ramadan, is intended to enable the impoverished to partake in Eid al-Fitr festivities alongside the broader Muslim community. 

The Zakat House confirmed that zakat contributions will be accepted online starting from the first day of the forthcoming fasting month, continuing until 6 a.m. on 27 Ramadan. There are five platforms available for online zakat payments: the Dhiraagu mobile application and Dhiraagu Pay website, the Ooredoo M-Faisaa application, the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) mobile application, the Bank of Maldives (BML) mobile application, and the FahiPay mobile application, in addition to the Bandeyri Pay website. The Zakat House has noted that FahiPay and Bandeyri Pay can be utilised for zakat payments until the final day of Ramadan. 

For those unable to access online resources, the Zakat House will establish zakat collection counters at the Islamic Centre to facilitate in-person payments. These counters will also operate during the final ten days of Ramadan, which will be observed as government holidays following a decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. From 2 to 20 March, the counters will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 23 to 30 March, they will operate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

In addition, individuals in the outer islands may make in-person and cash zakat payments to their respective local councils. 

The Zakat House has also disclosed the nisab for zakat. Typically measured in terms of staple foods, the nisab for normal rice is set at USD 0.78, Thailand white rice at USD 4.02, and red rice at USD 5.58. For Basmati rice, the nisab is USD 4.80 for standard Basmati rice, USD 6.49 for higher-grade Basmati rice, and USD 8.63 for the highest-grade Basmati rice. The nisab for normal flour is set at USD 0.65, while for Atta flour, it is set at USD 4.86. 

SOURCE : PSM

Minister Mariya assesses agricultural market, engages with vendors 

Dr Maryam Mariya, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, recently conducted an assessment of local agricultural products at the Malé produce market. During the visit, she engaged in in-depth discussions with farmers and vendors, delving into the challenges they face. 

According to the agriculture ministry, Minister Mariya paid careful attention to their concerns, particularly regarding the logistical difficulties of transporting produce from the islands to the capital city. Her visit also included an exploration of the obstacles producers encounter in marketing their goods. 

Expanding the agricultural sector and fortifying food security are paramount priorities for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Minister Mariya recently articulated that the administration is formulating comprehensive plans to boost youth participation in agriculture. These initiatives are designed to provide necessary support for young people entering the sector and empower those already involved, according to the minister. 

President Dr Muizzu recently announced the establishment of an economic zone dedicated to agricultural development, reflecting the administration’s strategic efforts. This project, set to commence this year, represents a significant step towards enhancing national food security, according to the government. 

In her proactive approach, Minister Mariya has been visiting the outer islands to engage with farmers and other stakeholders. These visits have been instrumental in understanding the challenges they face and collaboratively discussing viable solutions, according to ministry sources. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Cultural Ministry’s nationwide heritage initiative extends to all atolls

The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage has extended its ambitious nationwide initiative to all atolls, aiming to deepen the understanding of the essential elements of nationality, alongside the national identity and cultural heritage of the Maldives. 

Culture and Heritage Ministry commenced its efforts by extending nationality-related knowledge to the residential communities of Haa Alifu Atoll. A special ceremony held in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll, marked the official launch of this initiative. 

In his address at the event, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, announced that the ministry’s efforts had led to the dissemination of nationality-related knowledge and information to over 2,000 individuals. He further underscored that the nation’s independence and sovereignty are a testament to the bravery and hard work of our ancestors. 

The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the book titled “Dhivehi Thaareekhah Au Alikameh” on the ministry’s website. The book was officially inaugurated by Adam “Utheemu Adam’be” Abdul Rahman, a recipient of the National Award of Honour for his contributions to Dhivehi literature. Speaking to PSM News after the session on nationality held as part of the event, participants underscored that sharing and promoting knowledge about nationality is a crucial initiative undertaken by the current administration. 

The culture and heritage ministry has been actively engaged in several initiatives to promote knowledge about nationality and cultural identity. These efforts include preserving and promoting Maldivian culture, which encompasses the Dhivehi language, traditional arts, and heritage. Additional initiatives involve integrating cultural and national identity topics into the curriculum and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the significance of their national identity and cultural heritage. 

The ministry also organises events and activities that engage the community in cultural practices and discussions about national identity. Furthermore, it supports research and documentation efforts to preserve historical records, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices. 

SOURCE : PSM

Agreement paves way for fisheries education hub in Gaafu Alifu Atoll 

An agreement has been signed to establish and operate the outreach centre of the Fisheries College of the Maldives National University (MNU) in Kolamaafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam signed the agreement on behalf of MNU, while Council President Ibrahim Waheed represented the Kolamaafushi Island Council. This agreement secures the transfer of the land plot essential for establishing the outreach centre. 

The new outreach centre, to be constructed on a 15,000 square foot land plot, is set to benefit not only Kolamaafushi but also the entire Huvadhu Atoll, which includes Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the advancement of fisheries education, research, and sustainable marine development, according to the national university. 

MNU underscored the centre’s role in providing students with opportunities for research and practical experience that meet international standards. The project is also anticipated to yield social, economic, and environmental benefits, enhancing the quality of life for Kolamaafushi and fishing communities nationwide, said MNU. 

The initial agreement to establish the Fisheries College was signed in 2023. Although the establishment of the college was mandated by law to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, it had not materialised until now. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu initiated the work to establish the Fisheries College within the first 100 days of his tenure. 

SOURCE : PSM