State Dignitary Ibrahim Rasheed inaugurates Velaanaage

State Dignitary Ibrahim Rasheed has inaugurated Velaanaage, the office complex built on the housing compound of the residence of the Velaanaage family who had rendered invaluable services to the Maldives. Summuwwul Ameer Ibrahim Nasir, the first President of the Second Republic of the Maldives, lived in Velaanaage.

At a ceremony held at Velaanaage this morning, the building was inaugurated when Ibrahim Rasheed hoisted the national flag at the building.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Rasheed said the Maldives continue to receive the valuable services from members of Velaanaage family.

At the ceremony, President Mohamed Nasheed donated a historic shield to President Nasir’s Memorial Room in Velaanaage. The shield was sent to President Ibrahim Nasir on his inauguration as the first President of the Second Republic of the Maldives in November 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson of USA.

Fifteen years ago, President Nasir had given the shield to his youngest son Ismail Nasir, who later presented it President Nasheed. He also spoke on the importance of the Memorial Room which will display manuscripts and some other memorabilia belonging to President Nasir and his family.

In his remarks at the ceremony, President Nasheed said Velaanaage family was one of the oldest families in the Maldives.

Work on building 14-story office complex at Velaanaage was begun on 17 January 2006, and completed on 14 July 2010.

First Lady Madam Laila Ali, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and his wife Madam Ilham Hussain also attended the function.