Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu spent nearly three hours meeting members of the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka during his recent state visit to the country.

Speaking during the press briefing today, the spokesperson said the President has consistently placed strong importance on engaging directly with the public, both during his tenure as Mayor of Malé and since assuming the presidency. He added that the President’s engagements in Sri Lanka reflected that same commitment to meeting and listening to citizens.

Spokesperson Shareef said that President Dr Muizzu met separately with around 60 Maldivian families during the gathering and spent time listening to their concerns, views and difficulties faced while residing in Sri Lanka.

The spokesperson also dismissed allegations circulating on social media claiming that Sri Lankan police officers had been deployed to discourage Maldivians from attending the President’s meeting. He described the claims as false and stated that there was no reason for the President to prevent citizens from participating in such engagements.

He further noted that members of the public have consistently been given opportunities to share their views during the President’s meetings and public engagements, adding that no efforts were made to obstruct participation in the Sri Lanka gathering.