President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated Mr Maizan Adam Maniku for having received the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicraft 2008. The President congratulated Mr Maizan Adam Maniku while speaking at a function held today at the President’s Office.

Launched in 2002, the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicraft was conceived to create consciousness of a higher quality standard among craft producers, thereby supporting the access of crafts peoples to the international market.

Speaking at the function, President Nasheed noted the contributions made by Mr Adam Maniku towards promoting art of Maldivian handicraft making, such as lacquer work and lathing. He further said that that Mr Adam Maniku has brought great honour and glory to this nation.
Mr Maizan Adam Maniku thanked President Nasheed and the government for recognising his achievement. He also said that this award was truly an award for all Maldivian people, especially all Maldivian artisans. Speaking further, Mr Adam Maniku said that he hoped to see the day when imported items labelled “made in Maldives’ would be no more in the market.

At the function, Mr Maumoon Riza, creative manager of Mr Adam Maniku, presented a copy of the award and a souvenir to President Nasheed.

Mr Maizan Adam Maniku took questions from the members of the press present at the function.

The function was attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed.