Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has assured all state expenses during the fight against COVID-19 are made in accordance with the Public Finance Act.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs, the finance minister said the State of Public Health Emergency declared in the Maldives has not altered the procedures followed in undertaking state expenses. In this regard, the minister noted all expenses are undertaken in accordance with the Public Finance Act, and the relevant laws and regulations. He added the government will continue to provide essential services to the people despite the imposed shutdown following the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
The finance minister noted the Maldives had been preparing in advance for an outbreak of COVID-19, adding all government ministries have been conducting joint efforts to strengthen the preparation for the spread of COVID-19. He said the government is working to ensure the survival of businesses and the safety of jobs by the time economic activities can be resumed after the situation of COVID-19 is brought under control.