President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday inaugurated a monument created by the people of Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll, intended to portray the unity that exists amongst the Maldivian people.
Vilufushi was one of the islands that sustained the most damage in the tsunami that swept the nation on December 26, 2004. The monument was unveiled on the date marking 15 years to the most devastating natural disaster in Maldivian history.
According to a councillor speaking on behalf of the island, the community has plans to alter the monument in the future, refining and improving the structure.
"[The monument shows] entwined hands to represent unity", he said.
Previously, when former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration sought to shift the Tsunami Monument put up in remembrance of the victims that went missing or passed away in the calamity, the people of Vilufushi requested for it to be placed on the island.
However, their request was denied and the monument was shifted to the 'Thin Ruh' park area. Following this, the area was developed into the 'Tsunami Bina Maizaan' or Tsunami Monument Park.
The 2004 tsunami resulted in a total of 82 Maldivian deaths, of which 21 were residents of Vilufushi. Following the tragedy, December 26 is celebrated annually as the Maldives' National Day of Unity.
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