Independence Day celebrations cost MVR 4.1 million, says minister
She also confirmed that all official Independence Day activities organised by the ministry were held in Malé.
The government spent MVR 4.1 million on activities organised to mark the Maldives' 60th Independence Day last year, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed told Parliament on Wednesday.
Heena disclosed the figure while responding to questions from Galolhu South MP Mohamed Ibrahim of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) during a sitting of the People's Majlis.
The lawmaker sought details on the total expenditure for the celebrations, a breakdown of the costs and information on spending for events held in the atolls.
Responding to the questions, Heena said the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, which was responsible for organising the celebrations at the time, spent a total of MVR 4.1 million on the events.
She also confirmed that all official Independence Day activities organised by the ministry were held in Malé.
"Apart from the capital city of Malé, no such activities or celebrations were held in any of the outlying atolls," Heena said.
"Therefore, no expenditure was made for conducting these activities within the atolls."
