Agriculture and Animal Welfare Minister Dr Maryam Mariya has confirmed that the islands of Minaavaru and Udhdhoo were lawfully reclaimed from Sun Travels by the Government, following due legal procedure.

Speaking at the Ahaa forum on Monday night, Dr Mariya said several islands leased for agricultural purposes had been found to be misused. Survey teams discovered that Minaavaru and Udhdhoo were not being utilised as intended under their lease agreements.

She stated that, based on survey findings and public complaints, the Government reclaimed both islands in accordance with protocol and on the advice of Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham.

The Attorney General, who also took part in the forum, clarified that Udhdhoo’s 25-year lease had expired, and the Government had opted not to renew it. The island has since been designated for public use by residents of Dhaalu Atoll.

Regarding Minaavaru, Uz Usham explained that the lease was terminated following proper notice. He added that several agricultural leases had been similarly misused, and the Government is actively working to reclaim islands where no agricultural activity has been carried out.