Council votes to restore name of Rasrani Bageecha to Sultan's Park

Male’ City Council has voted to restore the name of Rasrani Bageecha  to Sultan’s Park.

Deputy Mayor, Shamau Shareef has confirmed the council’s decision.

He reports the decision to change the name back to Sultan’s Park passed with the unanimous consensus of all council members during a meeting three weeks back.

Shamau said the council plans on holding a grand reopening to mark the name change.

“With the beginning of a new year, we are working on holding a re-opening with some very special items and mark the name change,” said Shamau.

Sultan’s Park was developed and opened by former President Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu in 1968 on the grounds of the former Maldivian presidential palace after the end of the monarchy system of governance in Maldives.

The Sultan’s Park was modernized, redeveloped and renamed Rasrani Bageecha after nearly 50 years by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on August 21, 2017.

The decision to rename Sultan’s Park to Rasrani Bageecha drew criticism and concern over loss of its historic identity at the time. And news of the current administration’s plans to restore the name to Sultan’s Park led to President of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, Ashraf Ali, appealing to State authorities against the decision.

The park, which previously had multiple trees and plants but only a few benches, now has been completely modernized with a stage, pavilion and plenty of playground equipment.