The National College of Policing and Law Enforcement developed under Indian assistance has been officially inaugurated.
The academy was inaugurated in Addu City by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday. India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Maldives Home Minister Imran Abdulla, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, and top officials from Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defense Force were in attendance at the ceremony.
After the inauguration ceremony, President Solih toured the academy and signed in the guest book.
The National College of Policing and Law Enforcement was opened after long delays in opening the academy met with public criticism. The practical work of the project was initiated in 2016. Relevant authorities have said USD 300 million was spent on the academy's development.
The academy has medical bays, sports arenas, and several other resources available at the facility. It can simultaneously accommodate up to 340 trainees.
The police academy was established in Addu City by reclaiming land and installing revetment. The facilities available at the academy include several accommodation blocks, medical clinics, a gym that has the capacity of 800 people, PT grounds, training centers, a 400-meter track, helipad, basketball court, tennis court, football grounds, an auditorium with 340-people capacity, and classrooms.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said the academy symbolizes the close bilateral relations between India and the Maldives. He said the academy brings the police closer to revolutionizing police training and work.
In addition to the police, other law enforcement agencies will also have the opportunity to use the academy, said the CP.
