The foundation stone of an Islamic centre to be built in Baa Eydhafushi was laid today as part of the government's plans to establish Islamic centres across Maldives.

The foundation stone was laid by Eydhafushi MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Saleem and State Minister for Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shujau Abdul Hakeem at a ceremony held on the island.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the centres are being developed across the country to promote Islamic guidance and teachings.

SAS e Construction Pvt Ltd has been awarded the contract to build the Eydhafushi centre. The agreement was signed on 18 March.

The ministry said plans had been made and assigned to establish Islamic centres on 10 islands, with construction work already under way on some of the projects.