President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said that the Maldives must have Singapore’s vision when it comes to maintaining the splendor of the Maldivian islands.
He made this statement at the special ceremony held on Sunday night at Dharubaaruge convention centre, to mark the 50th anniversary of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA).
Noting that the airport was the opening page for the country’s economic prosperity, President Yameen said that having a Singaporean outlook on development is vital for the improvement of Maldives. He added that by taking Singapore as a model, he does not believe that Maldives would be at risk from ozone depletion or have its islands endangered.
The President pointed out that the previous Administration leased the pride of Maldivians - the airport - for one year and generated only MVR16 million, an amount roughly equivalent to that generated by a normal business in Maldives within the same period. In that vein, he described the handover of Maldives' Airport to GMR as a “huge economic crime”.
He further stated that after Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) took over the management of the airport from GMR they generated one billion Rufiyaa within their first year. Highlighting the revenue increase from 16 million Rufiyaa to one billion Rufiyaa, the President expressed the Government’s vision to bring in this same revenue in US Dollars.
During the ceremony, the President inaugurated the MACL Institute and introduced a commemorative book on the 50th anniversary of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. In appreciation of the hard work done for the Company, the President presented plaques honoring those who performed as Board Chairman, CEO and MD of MACL.
The President was also presented with a corporate gift from Maldives Airports Company Limited, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the airport.
Members of the Ministerial cabinet and senior officials of the Government also participated in this event.