President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday commissioned five fast interceptor craft for the Maldives National Defence Force - MNDF.
The naval patrol vessels, procured under MNDF’s efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities, were commissioned into the MNDF Coast Guard fleet at a ceremony held at Republic Square Thursday afternoon.
During the ceremony, the First Couple, after having observed a drive-by of the vessels, inaugurated the fast interceptor boats by stepping in and inspecting one docked at Izzuddin Jetty.
Solas Marine Lanka Private Limited built the five boats under a MVR129 million contract signed in February 2016.
Additionally, the President inaugurated rowing and sailing proceedings held by the Maldives National Defence Force during the ceremony.
The First Couple were accompanied at the ceremony by the Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam, members of the Cabinet, and members of Parliament.