Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon has stated that the most important work being done with the assistance provided by the Government of India is the renovation work at the heritage sites.
Minister Yumna said that the renovation work is always ongoing at various heritage sites and that the work is being done with assistance from neighbouring countries and international organisations. She noted that previous governments were also involved in renovation work and that India’s financial assistance is currently being used to preserve the pre-Islamic heritage sites in Landhoo, Noonu Atoll, and to develop the area with a museum and gift shop. She said the project is expected to increase local tourism on the island.
Minister Yumna made the statement after some media outlets reported that the government is using India’s financial assistance to renovate Buddhist sites in the country. In a tweet, she denounced the media outlets for disseminating disinformation.