President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has explained the government’s decision not to extend the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha holidays, saying it would be highly “irresponsible” to do so.
The President's remarks come amid the public disappointment over the government's announcement that only the days designated in the calendar will be closed for Eid.
Many were expecting the government to close the three days - 1 to 3 June which falls within the Eid holidays.
Speaking on the seventh episode of the "Rayyithunnaa Eku" podcast, President Dr Muizzu acknowledged that some people expected the government to declare the spare three days as public holidays to coincide with Eid al-Adha.
The President admitted that the government has previously closed for one or two working days which fall within a long holiday or weekend for the convenience of the public. However, he stressed that it would be highly “irresponsible” on the part of the government to declare three working days as public holidays which would have extended the Eid-ul-Adha holidays to nine consecutive days with the two weekends.
“We have closed one or two working days in the past. However, to close the government for three days, I believe would not be the responsible thing to do,” he explained.