Sun, 27 Jul 2025
|DHIVEHI
President acknowledges predecessors' role in VIA project
26 Jul 2025
|
President Dr Muizzu speaking at the inauguration of Velana new terminal-- Photo: President's Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally recognised the efforts of former Presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the development of the newly inaugurated terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), attributing the completion of the project to the sustained work of multiple administrations.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Dr Muizzu stated that the terminal’s successful completion reflects a decade-long national effort, involving critical contributions across successive governments. The project was initially launched during former President Yameen’s administration in 2016, under funding from the Saudi Fund for Development. It was subsequently redesigned and progressed under former President Solih’s tenure.
Further funding, including an allocation of MVR 1.2 billion, was secured under the current Administration, enabling the final phase of the project to move forward. President Dr Muizzu noted that without the coordinated contributions of all stakeholders, the terminal’s opening would have been delayed by at least another 18 months.
The President also expressed appreciation for the international partners who supported the project, including the Saudi Fund for Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the Abu Dhabi Fund.
He also extended gratitude to the many local and foreign professionals who worked on the terminal’s construction, citing their dedication as instrumental in ensuring the timely completion of one of the country’s most significant infrastructure developments.
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