Former President Wavel Ramkalawan appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into the lease and proposed development of Assomption Island on Wednesday 18 March.
During the hearing, Commissioner Mathilda Twomey put several allegations to Mr Ramkalawan. She said the allegations were based on information gathered during the commission’s investigation. She said this included evidence from witnesses who appeared in both public hearings and closed-door sessions. The allegations related to his influence, while serving as president, on the progress of the hotel development project on Assomption Island.
Commissioner Twomey also requested that Mr Ramkalawan produce bank statements, WhatsApp messages and emails from 2023 to 2025. She said the documents should include invitations to the United Arab Emirates and plane tickets. Commissioner Twomey linked the request to questions about several trips to the UAE. She added that State House records refer to high-level visits only.
At first, Mr Ramkalawan declined to provide his personal WhatsApp messages. Commissioner Twomey then issued an ultimatum.
“The commission has the right to subpoena all documents, Mr Ramkalawan. Do you want me to issue a formal subpoena, or will you voluntarily give me those documents to prove that your visits had nothing to do with securing inducements of payment for Assomption?”
Mr Ramkalawan replied that the inquiry was not about his presidency. Commissioner Twomey answered:
“Unfortunately, it is.”
Mr Ramkalawan then said:
“Oh, so this is what it is? Finally!”
Commissioner Twomey later said the mandate of the commission includes establishing any form of bribery or illicit benefits linked to the project. Mr Ramkalawan responded:
“Ok, I’ll see and I’ll give it to you.”
In addition, other allegations put before Mr Ramkalawan by Commissioner Twomey referred to an official state visit to the Maldives in 2023. The commission said the visit was to meet Ramez Al-Khayyat, who is associated with the Assomption development project. Mr Al-Khayyat is a Qatari businessman based in Doha.
“The reason I am asking you, Mr Ramkalawan, is that the perception is it was not because of wanting to build any relationship with the Maldives. It was precisely to meet the Al-Khayyats in the Maldives.”
Mr Ramkalawan rejected the allegation. He said:
“I do not accept this at all. I did not know Mr Al-Khayyat.”
Former President Ramkalawan added the visit followed an official invitation from then Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He described it as an official state visit.
He said he had not met Mr Al-Khayyat before the visit. He added that he did not know the hotel where he stayed belonged to him. He said:
“I never had a meeting with Al-Khayyat.”
He also said a photograph had been taken out of context. He said it showed a tour of the hotel with the then Maldivian president present.
The hearing was broadcast on YouTube and on state television.
In his closing remarks, Mr Ramkalawan said he served the country with loyalty and did not take any bribe. He described the inquiry as a “witchhunt”. Being the last witness before the commission, he said he felt as though he was on trial for murder and had to respond to accusations. He also called on those who made accusations to repeat them publicly without the protection of the commission.