Vangaaru under Thuraakunu, Galagili under Ukulhas

The government on Wednesday, has placed Galagili under the jurisdiction of Alifu Alifu atoll Ukulhas, and Vangaaru under Haa Alif atoll Thuraakunu.

The official transfer of jurisdiction was confirmed via a presidential decree released by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which has since been put on gazette as well.

Haa Alif atoll Vangaaru was previously designated for tourist resort development during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration. The plans were however scrapped during Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's presidency, promising to return the island's jurisdiction to the people of Thuraakanu.

The 11-hectare Vagaaru is located approximately 300 meter away from Thuraakunu.

While two uninhabited islands have been put under the jurisdictions of the administrative islands closest to them in their respective atolls, President Muizzu had put Maafarufalhu under Alifu Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo's jurisdiction on Tuesday.

President's Office said the jurisdictional revisions are made by the president from the discretion granted to him under the Decentralization Act.