Heritage Minister Heena Waleed announced today that funding has been secured from China to further develop the National Museum.
Speaking in Parliament, Heena said that the biggest challenges facing the Maldives' historical artefacts are their classification and standardized maintenance. She noted that the development of the museum would provide a solution to these issues.
"Although the National Museum houses 7,000 artefacts, we face challenges in establishing classification standards and implementing measures for their measurement and preservation," Heena said.
She further said that renovation and expansion work on the museum would commence soon, confirming that the necessary funds for the project have already been secured.
"We are currently working with the Chinese government to develop the National Museum and to enhance its maintenance beyond its current state. Funding for this project has been finalized, and God willing, work will begin very soon," she said.
Heena noted that around 600 artefacts are currently on display at the museum. She highlighted that these include items dating back more than 1,500 years.
"There are about 600 artefacts currently on display at the National Museum. I would like to highlight that among these are historical pieces that are over 1,500 years old," she said.
The National Museum building was constructed with grant aid from China. The Chinese government handed over the building to the Maldives on July 10, 2010, and it was officially opened on Independence Day, July 26, 2010.
