President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that he will begin providing weekly updates on the Government’s work to the media every Monday.

Delivering the Presidential Address 2026, the President said the Government will continue to work closely with the media to ensure timely and accurate information is shared with the public. He noted that ministers visited local and international media outlets 424 times last year, while heads of ministries shared key information with the public through the media on 493 occasions.

The President said that a total of 1,341 Right to Information (RTI) requests were submitted to the President’s Office and Government ministries last year, of which 1,251 were answered, representing a response rate of 93 per cent. He said the remaining RTI requests, which are pending due to approved extensions, will also be responded to.

He also noted that 40,875 social media posts were published last year to inform the public about Government activities and initiatives.

The President said that beginning in March, he will meet with journalists every Monday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am to provide information directly to the media, except on days affected by official travel or public holidays.

In addition, the President announced that starting next month, one cabinet minister will meet with journalists for an hour each week. The schedule for these sessions will be announced by the President’s Office.

Emphasising the importance of a strong and responsible media, the President said it plays a vital role in maintaining peace, explaining national development efforts to the public, and ensuring public security.

The President also revealed that MVR 27.3 million has been disbursed from the State budget to support 40 media outlets. He said the Media Village project, currently under construction in Hulhumalé Phase I, is intended to ease financial pressures faced by media organisations, particularly high rental costs for office and studio space. The facility will include 34 office and studio units offered at low cost and is expected to be completed and opened to media organisations by mid-year.