President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said that the handing over of Maldives' Airport to GMR, by the previous Administration, was a huge economic crime. He stated this while speaking at the ceremony held in Dharubaaruge to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport on Sunday evening.
While speaking at the ceremony, the President noted that the previous Administration leased the pride of Maldivians; the airport, for one year and generated only 16 million Rufiyaa, an amount roughly equivalent to that generated by a normal business in Maldives within the same period.
He further stated that after Maldives Airports Company Limited took over the management of the airport from GMR they generated one billion Maldivian 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 also presented plaques honouring those who performed as Board Chairman, C.E.O. and M.D. of MACL.
Minister of Economic Development, Hon. Mohamed Saeed, and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited, Mr. Adil Moosa, also spoke at the ceremony. 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.
