Ministry, Police Begins Probe Into Vandalism of Former Royal Palace Structure Usgekolhu

The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Heritage has launched an investigation, in coordination with police, after individuals allegedly vandalised the walls of Usgekolhu, the only remaining structure of the historic Royal Palace of the Maldives, by spraying graffiti on the site.

In a statement, the ministry said it became aware of attempts to damage the building and immediately began working with police to identify those responsible. The ministry said legal action would be taken under the Maldives Cultural Heritage Act against those found to have been involved in the incident.

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The ministry stressed that damage to historical sites such as Usgekolhu can diminish their cultural value and cause irreversible harm to the structure.

According to the ministry, it had previously requested that the Male’ City Council hand over the keys and management of Usgekolhu as part of a planned development project for the site and its surrounding area. However, the council has yet to transfer management of the property, said the ministry.

The ministry said it has now begun the necessary legal and administrative procedures to bring the preservation and management of Usgekolhu under its authority.

Usgekolhu is more than 100 years old and was built in the early 20th century during the reign of Sultan Haji Imaduddin VI. It is the sole surviving structure of the former Royal Palace complex and is regarded as an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.

The building also holds historical significance as the location of the Maldives’ first National Museum, which opened there 74 years ago. The ministry described the structure as an example of the architectural style of its era and said preserving the site remains a priority.