President declares May 5 a government holiday

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared Sunday, May 5, a government holiday to allow citizens to prepare for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

The decision was announced by President’s Spokesperson, Ibrahim Hood, in a tweet this Thursday afternoon.

To allow people time to undertake preparations for the fasting month of Ramadan, President @ibusolih has today declared 5th May 2019 (Sunday) a government holiday.

— Ibrahim Hood (@MvSpokesperson) May 2, 2019

The 1st day of Ramadan, according to the calendar, falls on Monday, May 6.

However, the 1st of Ramadan will be determined by the sighting of the new moon, which will begin on Saturday, May 4. The 1st of Ramadan will begin on Sunday, May 5, if the new moon is sighted on Saturday. However, astronomers forecast that Sunday will be the 30th of Shawwal, and that Monday will be the 1st of Ramadan.

The decision by President to declare May 5 a government holiday means civil servants will receive a four-day break – from May 3- 6 to prepare for Ramadan.