The Maldives Monetary Authority raised the amount of US dollars supplied to banks by 32 percent. The increase will be made over the next three weeks to help ensure a steady flow of foreign currency for businesses facing higher import demand during Ramadan, the central bank said.
Ismail Naveen, the commissioner of police who took up the position less than a year ago, officially retired after 32 years in uniform service.
The agriculture ministry opened a temporary farmers’ market at the north harbour in Malé, allowing local farmers to sell their produce. Farmers from seven islands have set up stalls to sell 10 types of produce certified under the Maldives Good Agricultural Practice certification. The market operates from 8am to 5pm and again from 9pm to 11pm, and is scheduled to close after Ramadan ends on 26 March.
President Muizzu inaugurated Masjid Yoosuf Al Barbaree, a new 1,400-capacity mosque in Malé constructed with grant funding from local company Alisaafu.
The criminal court extended the remand of Heshan Madhuranga Dissanayaka Menika Dhurayalage by a further 45 days. The 32-year-old Sri Lankan national is accused of manslaughter as the driver of the excavator that killed a Bangladeshi man in Thilafushi last month after being buried under waste. The court said continued detention was necessary after he reportedly told friends he wanted to return to his home country.
The Elections Commission announced that the referendum on seeking public approval to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on April 4, alongside the local council polls. The commission also opened re-registration for voters who wish to cast their ballots at locations other than their registered locations.
